Synonyms of episode

episode

noun

ˈe-pə-ˌsōd 

as in event

something that happens

I'm trying to forget the whole embarrassing episode

Synonyms & Similar Words

• event
• incident
• thing
• circumstance
• occurrence
• occasion
• happening
• time
• affair
• accident
• page
• experience
• coincidence
• phenomenon
• adventure
• landmark
• news
• hap
• turning point
• milestone
• crisis
• fluke
• emergency
• freak
• juncture
• deed
• achievement
• co-occurrence
• milepost
• happenstance
• feat
• tidings
• exploit
• happenchance

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

Recent Examples of episode

This episode was produced by Alexis Williams. —Alexis Williams, NPR, 3 Nov. 2025

New episodes drop every Wednesday and feature interviews with artists and personalities like Lainey Wilson, Hardy, Charley Crockett, Gavin Adcock, Amanda Shires, Shooter Jennings, Margo Price, Halestorm, Dusty Slay, Lukas Nelson, Ashley Monroe, Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor, and Clever. —Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2025

The episode caused uncertainty about the ability of companies to get workers into the U.S. to build and operate manufacturing plants without similar incidents. —Michelle Stoddart, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2025

The eight episodes that premiered last year featured interviews with a wide range of personalities, including actor Billy Crudup, chef Jacques Pépin and the late Anne Burrell, a longtime friend of Ray’s. —Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025