Synonym Chooser

How is the word episode distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of episode are circumstance, event, incident, and occurrence. While all these words mean "something that happens or takes place," episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

When might circumstance be a better fit than episode?

The words circumstance and episode can be used in similar contexts, but circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

When can event be used instead of episode?

The meanings of event and episode largely overlap; however, event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

When could incident be used to replace episode?

The words incident and episode are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

Where would occurrence be a reasonable alternative to episode?

While in some cases nearly identical to episode, occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.

an encounter that was a chance occurrence

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of episode This week’s episode is one that’s full of joy and inspiration and the payoffs of believing in yourself. Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025 During the episode, the former couple had dinner with Lola and discussed their relationship. Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2025 In Discretion, which has an eight-episode order, Lenny (Fanning), a summer associate at a prestigious Dallas law firm, uncovers a web of NDAs masking a dark truth. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025 The Murder Most Unladylike TV series will consist of six 45-minute episodes. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for episode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for episode
Noun
  • Military watchers play close attention to what North Korea chooses to show off at such events.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 9 Oct. 2025
  • CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The incident's central command constantly receives progress reports from firefighters on the ground.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2025
  • There is an incident on I-29 from I-435/Exit 17 to MO-92/Exit 18.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Here's where things actually start to get confusing.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
  • But things change the next morning when all of the clans light burning crosses in a call to action to join the Jacobite rebellion — a call that Brian must answer or face being labeled a traitor.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In 2022, life circumstances prompted her and her husband to make things official quickly.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
  • There was my mother’s paternal grandfather, owner of 400 acres in South Carolina’s Low Country, murdered under sketchy circumstances, 397 acres of his property stolen from his widow, with no justice whatsoever.
    Kevin Powell, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Episode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/episode. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on episode

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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