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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 Other Prime customers may wait to search for deals or sit out the shopping event altogether. Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 8 July 2025 The event is one of several festivities scheduled across the nation leading up to America's official quarter-millennial on July 4, 2026. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025 Yes! started out as a different movie and changed to incorporate the events of October 7? Damon Wise, Deadline, 8 July 2025 In fact, the blocks were so easy to use that government and company officials who attended the kick-off event helped to build up one of the house’s walls after only a short lesson from Garrett. R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for event
Recent Examples of Synonyms for event
Noun
  • Qantas Airlines, Australia’s flagship carrier, reported Wednesday that a cyber incident had occurred Monday in one of its contact centers that exposed data for as many as 6 million customers.
    Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • An investigation has been launched to determine what caused the incident, per AP.
    Latoya Gayle, People.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Indianapolis City-County Council members are also discussing the possibility of fines and mandatory parenting classes for parents and guardians whose children repeatedly violate the new rules.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 14 July 2025
  • Others wanted to consider the possibility of technological advancements.
    Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Other names appearing somewhere on tournament’s leaderboard include NFL players Travis and Jason Kelce, Sacramento Kings player Zach Lavine, and actors Miles Teller and Alfonso Ribeiro.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
  • The 6-8, 245-pound Shores threw 47 pitches of 100 mph or more during the NCAA tournament for the College World Series-champion Tigers.
    Mike Digiovanna, Oc Register, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Buhari spent much of the following 30 years in fringe political parties and trying to run for president until his eventual victory over Jonathan in 2015.
    Benjamin Ezeamalu, USA Today, 14 July 2025
  • Even after stepping very far away from that role, Musk remains focused on a wide range of activities outside of Tesla, including starting a third political party and trying to fix problems at X, his social media platform.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile…things haven’t looked so good for Starbucks in China recently, and not just because its baristas can’t spell names in Chinese characters, either.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 2 July 2025
  • The downside is that each method has a potential reaction from the AGI or ASI that could turn things ugly.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • For more severe or persistent cases, your healthcare provider may recommend oral medications, injections or infusions, and light therapy.12 For mild cases or flares, creams, ointments, oils, and other products may help.
    Mark Gurarie, Health, 13 July 2025
  • Follow-up inspections were conducted for some restaurants, with scores improving in many cases.
    Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Their manager, Sarina Wiegman, has an extraordinary record in this competition, having won it with both the Netherlands and England.
    Darren Richman, New York Times, 5 July 2025
  • As for the women's competition this year, Miki Sudo scored her 11th Nathan's Famous title after downing 33 franks — falling below her 2024 record of 51.
    Logan Holland, People.com, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • Oster said the sentence justified the circumstances of the killing as well as the evidence presented during the trial.
    Hailey Roden, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
  • The theatrical paradigm is slowed, extended and occasionally reversed by the circumstance.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Event.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/event. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on event

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