Thesaurus results for EVENT

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

event

noun

i-ˈvent

Definition of event

as in incident

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in possibility

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

as in party

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Such events were a calling card for his campaign, which prided itself on a willingness to go anywhere to rally voters. — Kimberlee Kruesi, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 Besides the remarkable feat of even capturing the event, the research also sheds light on a longstanding question about how the seafloor spreads. — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 8 July 2026 The 2026 edition of the Esports World Cup has officially opened in Paris, France, marking the first time the event has taken place outside of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. — Mike Stubbs, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 The hottest summer event in sports -- outside of the FIFA World Cup -- returns to New York City this month with the 2026 ESPYS. — Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for event

Recent Examples of Synonyms for event

Noun

The incident, which authorities are investigating, occurred 30 nautical miles (around 55 kilometers) southwest of Yemen’s Red Sea port of Al Hudaydah, UKMTO said.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
The incident occurred following Angel City FC's 2-0 win over the Orlando Pride on Friday evening, July 3, according to an Angel City FC spokesperson and multiple videos of the incident shared on social media by event attendees.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026

Definition of incident

Noun

The possibility of disruptions to oil flows via the Strait of Hormuz, however, might not entirely be discounted, which could complicate energy supply calculus.

— Justina Lee, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Efraín Juárez, then the coach of Pumas, was asked about the possibility of his team ending a long title drought.

— Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of possibility

Noun

Cardwell has anchored the defense for a team that could contend for its second Summer League championship in six years after winning the tournament in 2021.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Captain Tim Ream entered the media area after the defeat, a shell of a man who had spent the previous days proudly leading the team throughout this tournament, playing in four US matches at this World Cup.

— David Close, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of tournament

Noun

The stadium has been packed, the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival downtown has seen record attendance, and watch parties and other events have spread across the region.

— Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
At a time when Democrats have grown dissatisfied with the party establishment, Platner seemed like an appealing alternative.

— Kimberlee Kruesi, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Definition of party

Noun

Mark Levine, the city's comptroller, said that this current cluster of cases is from a contaminated cooling tower, and not a water system.

— Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Waiting to hear from the Vatican Kunst said he was tapped by Bishop Daniel Felton — who presented Buh’s case at the conference — to gather information regarding a possible cause for sainthood.

— Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026

Definition of case

Noun

There are more moments to come, with SoFi Stadium slated to host Super Bowl LXI in February and then, in 2028, to stage the Olympic Opening Ceremony and the Olympic swimming competition.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
He was appointed for that competition’s 2022 final, having taken charge of the Europa League final a year earlier.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 July 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

England endured a raucous crowd at Estadio Azteca to beat Mexico in a round-of-16 thriller but lost veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson to a wrist injury from a postgame celebration.

— Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
With its dynamic architecture and expansive interiors, the estate served as a fitting backdrop for the brand’s celebration of craftsmanship.

— Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 9 July 2026

Definition of celebration

Browse Nearby Words

evensongs

event

eventful

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“Event.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/event. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of event

noun

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Synonyms of event

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Phrases Containing event

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on event

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