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as in possibility
something that might happen in the event of rain, graduation ceremonies will be held indoors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word event distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of event are circumstance, episode, incident, and occurrence. While all these words mean "something that happens or takes place," event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

When can circumstance be used instead of event?

The words circumstance and event are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

When would episode be a good substitute for event?

In some situations, the words episode and event are roughly equivalent. However, episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

When is incident a more appropriate choice than event?

While in some cases nearly identical to event, incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

When might occurrence be a better fit than event?

Although the words occurrence and event have much in common, 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 event Interestingly, it was originally built for a couple known for hosting major events and fundraisers, so the layout is equal parts family-friendly retreat and diplomatic party central. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 9 May 2025 All told, the plaintiffs offer nearly 200 pages of allegations regarding celebrities and influencers who, among other things, lent their NIL, appeared at glitzy events, and were featured in advertisements and social media posts that encouraged fans to invest. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 May 2025 Last night saw the 2025 Disability Film Challenge awards ceremony take place at a special orange carpet event at Sony Pictures Studios located in Culver City, California. Gus Alexiou, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 Now that Lala’s mortality has been called into question, TVLine checked in with Molino again, at Wednesday night’s CBS Fest ’25 event celebrating the network’s recently revealed 2025-26 schedule. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for event
Recent Examples of Synonyms for event
Noun
  • Owens cited those messages as evidence of a larger issue, alleging that the incident was a pivotal moment in West’s life that triggered much of his subsequent behavior.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 5 May 2025
  • The incident happened in front of multiple people, according to police.
    Tristan Maglunog, ABC News, 4 May 2025
Noun
  • Prima thought about the possibility that there was a person in the world—perhaps Ruth was this person or would someday be this person—for whom Prima’s name was this kind of talisman.
    Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
  • Ahead, learn more about the story behind this impactful palette, then score some pro tips from designers on how to incorporate some of these vibrant hues into your home for an instant dose of possibility and perkiness.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • After hearing that a transgender woman from Wagner College in New York competed in a women’s fencing tournament at the University of Maryland last month, the head of the OCR launched a special investigation into both schools and threatened their access to federal funding.
    Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 2 May 2025
  • In 2005-06, when the tournament was named the UEFA Cup, Middlesbrough reached the final while toiling in the league’s bottom half, finishing 14th.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Yet even as the party showcases a solidly deep bench of experience 2028 contenders, there is a nagging narrative, mostly in media circles, that Democrats should mimic the GOP by eloping with a non-traditional candidate with a massive entertainment or social media footprint.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • But Berkshire and its CEO have turned its annual meeting into a party weekend in Omaha.
    Maria Aspan, NPR, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • Isaac has done a terrible thing to this person, and that is important to see.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • Her truth is about lying to become PTA president and that kind of thing.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • The Justice Department dropped a case against SpaceX in February, and Trump fired a Department of Agriculture inspector general in January who had launched an investigation into another Musk company, Neuralink.
    Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 14 May 2025
  • In Chicago, where there are about 60 IRS special agents working downtown and in the suburbs, the IRS has been particularly effective in public corruption cases, including the blockbuster investigations of former Govs.
    Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Stellantis’s European operation is a weak-looking target for new Chinese competition.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • Forest, who won the European Cup in 1979 and 1980 under Brian Clough, last featured in Europe’s premier competition in 1980-81.
    Tom Burrows, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • Filmed in a boxy aspect ratio that visually imprisons her in her circumstances, the movie uses tracking shots as hints into its character’s mindset.
    Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
  • But as to the circumstances leading up to her surprise departure?
    Gary Warth, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Event.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/event. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

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