Synonyms of event

event

noun

i-ˈvent 

1

as in incident

something that happens

dinnertime was devoted to talking over the day's events, not to watching television

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

2

as in possibility

something that might happen

in the event of rain, graduation ceremonies will be held indoors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• possibility
• case
• contingency
• contingent
• contingence
• eventuality
• probability
• accident
• risk
• hazard
• chance
• hap

3

as in tournament

a competitive encounter between individuals or groups carried on for amusement, exercise, or in pursuit of a prize

figure skating is usually one of the most popular events in the winter Olympics

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tournament
• competition
• game
• match
• contest
• championship
• tourney
• sport
• bout
• meet
• matchup
• sweepstakes
• race
• battle
• athletics
• skirmish
• outing
• semifinal
• final
• derby
• marathon
• conflict
• tug-of-war
• tussle
• struggle
• scrimmage
• triathlon
• open
• gymkhana
• rally
• play-off
• round
• pentathlon
• runoff
• field day
• decathlon
• biathlon
• ultramarathon
• heat
• heptathlon
• national(s)
• sudden death
• volley
• round-robin
• rubber
• set
• nightcap
• dead heat
• run
• classic
• photo finish
• seesaw

4

as in party

a social gathering

the mayor's evenings are often tied up with one event after another

Synonyms & Similar Words

• party
• celebration
• reception
• bash
• gala
• shindig
• fete
• function
• blowout
• affair
• dance
• blast
• get-together
• occasion
• ball
• binge
• benefit
• fund-raiser
• formal
• do
• symposium
• prom
• supper
• soiree
• orgy
• masquerade
• social
• tea
• tea party
• house party
• bacchanal
• cocktail party
• stag
• bacchanalia
• clambake
• shower
• housewarming
• mixer
• hen party
• saturnalia
• salon
• bake
• icebreaker
• meet and greet
• kegger
• klatch
• kaffeeklatsch

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

Recent Examples of event

Several speakers at the event stressed that a revelation that Earth has been visited by intelligent extraterrestrials would raise immediate questions about planetary defense. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026

Forecast models are timing the biggest rain event on Friday night. — Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

All these headline-grabbing events earned him praise from his boss and fellow Republicans. — Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026

In the book of remembrance, all moments, events, adventures, and experiences need to be expressed. — Jennifer Rich, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing event

• in any event