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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 Upward of half a million people now typically pack the long-weekend race events in Miami, Austin and Las Vegas, three of 24 such races held around the world. Marco Della Cava, USA Today, 26 June 2025 The guest list for the three-day event has been tightly guarded, but the lDonald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump and her family are already in Venice. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 26 June 2025 Tickets for the event are still being listed for sale online, ranging from $59 to $150. Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2025 This sequence of events prompted many fans and pundits to speculate about potential conspiracy theories about how and why Dallas got the pick despite having such low odds for it. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 June 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
  • All the incidents became the talk of the sports world for a few days.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • From clothes to baby strollers, the possibilities can radically help to improve the logistics of intermodal travel.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • When asked by Trump about the possibility of expanding the Everglades site, DeSantis demurred but said the state is looking into other facilities in different areas.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The experience allows guests to partake in their own personal tournament and enjoy the beautiful London weather.
    Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The tournament consists of single-elimination knockout rounds where players will compete in a maximum of four rounds before advancing to the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final championship.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • On July 13, Saturn (the planet of karma and lessons) starts its retrograde cycle in the sign of Aries, with Mercury retrograde joining the party a few days later on the 18th.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • The judge also ordered the parties to address whether and how the Supreme Court's recent ruling limiting universal injunctions should apply to her order.
    Alexander Tin, CBS News, 1 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
  • Jurors heard from more than 30 witnesses over the course of seven weeks as the prosecution went through its case.
    July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025
  • The injunction comes seven months after a jury found that Penn State proved its case.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 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
  • Under the right circumstances, a small drone can destroy even the most robust concrete structure simply by bringing the detonator.
    David Hambling, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • But my contract got particular traction, maybe because of the circumstances.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Event.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/event. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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