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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 Get access to product gifting opportunities, and invites to brand events. David Moin, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025 This Saturday, October 11, at the Crown Jewel premium live event, John Cena is scheduled to face AJ Styles in the next major stop on his retirement tour. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 These Prime Day clothing deals are all fan-favorite wardrobe staples from the sales event. Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025 As with all things related to the launch of any Taylor Swift album, all the components for The Life of a Showgirl were meticulously worked out and in place starting last week, from teaser trailers to release-day events to talk-show appearances. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for event
Recent Examples of Synonyms for event
Noun
  • Members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad were then called to the scene and were able to successfully locate and detonate the incendiary devices without any further incident.
    Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Violent clashes have erupted between Hamas and rival groups in several areas across Gaza, including an incident that culminated in an apparent public execution, as worries grow about the security situation following Israel’s withdrawal from parts of the territory.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The approach could open safer treatment possibilities for bipolar disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and viral brain infections.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The brand also introduced the Pixel Tablet in 2023, which acted like a smart display when docked, but this news is the first update about the possibility of a static device in over four years.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Of all the runs that Valentin Vacherot could have embarked upon to win his first ever major tennis tournament, this was surely the most unlikely.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The tournaments pit heroes such as Cole Young, Sonya Blade, Kano, Jax, Liu Kang and Kung Lao to fight against villains like Mileena, Nitara, Reiko, Kabal, Reptile, Goro and the sorcerer Shang Tsung.
    Giana Levy, Variety, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Young Republicans implicated in a scandal over racist, antisemitic and misogynistic comments in leaked chat messages reported by Politico face mounting calls to step down from their positions in party organizations.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, the Democratic Party for the People (DPP), the fourth-largest party in the Lower House, ruled out forming a new coalition with the LDP.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 15 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
  • Per Fightful, at least one person in WWE feels a December return would be the best-case scenario.
    Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Italian superstar Laura Pausini is one of only a handful of artists who has carved out equally successful careers in Spanish and another language — in this case, her native Italian.
    Leila Cobo, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Historically, Goldman says bubbles tend to be driven by a specific innovation, investors pile-in, there’s a rush of capital and competition from new companies, which in turn pushes up prices and valuations, increasing systemic risks.
    Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
  • With fewer insurers willing to provide insurance in Florida than in New Hampshire, there is less competition, which leads to higher premiums.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • My regular weekly meeting of lifers became a celebration of my release.
    Joe Garcia, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025
  • While Park Circus has long worked with the Lumière Film Festival – an eight-day celebration of cinema old and new – and its MIFF, the world’s biggest market dedicated to heritage film, this edition marks the first time Park Circus is officially partnering with the market.
    Lise Pedersen, Variety, 12 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Event.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/event. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on event

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