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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 More than 3,000 people were estimated to be at the event, according to the university's police chief, Jeff Long. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025 Cain’s prayer came before it was confirmed that Kirk died of his wounds after being shot while speaking at a Utah Valley University event. Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025 The event will feature live performances from nominees and will culminate in the announcement of the overall winner. Thomas Smith, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2025 The programming features over 100 premieres and 40 events across Greater Toronto Area venues. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for event
Recent Examples of Synonyms for event
Noun
  • In one incident, his attorney said, Egyptian forces with machine guns stormed into an apartment where Soliman was asleep with his wife and young child.
    Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The incident marks the first time that Poland engaged assets in its airspace since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But others suggested that with Kirk’s death, any possibility of peacefully bridging the divide between the right and left was now off the table.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Collins, Appropriations Committee chairwoman, is tasked with crafting funding measures and is locked in a battleground reelection fight, potentially strengthening the possibility of an extension.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • After that, Alcaraz brought the hammer down with his otherwise impenetrable delivery, which was broken only three times across the tournament.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • But Sunday’s final was a reminder that a whole tournament is a heavy weight for any two players to carry — even Sinner and Alcaraz.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Many of the amendments are likely to spark infighting among Republicans as the party battles over whether to become more isolationist in the face of skepticism about assisting foreign countries.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Investigators said that parties involved in the argument were leaving the indoor amusement park when Reed assaulted an employee, unprovoked, while making his way outside.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Nevertheless, the Phillies and Marlins teams were aware that few things are as exciting for a young fan as getting a home run ball.
    Chandelis Duster, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025
  • This homey boutique is a one-stop shop for all things Durango.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In any case, clues and answers for today’s Mini are below!
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • But the details of L’s case were striking.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The fourth season will be played from June 18-July 18, 2026, the preferred slot in the calendar for MLC with not much competition from other domestic leagues.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The number of local homes put up for sale soared, boosting competition among sellers.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The charity, which Harry has been a patron of since 2007, is holding its celebration evening honoring young people who live with challenging and life-limiting conditions and marking the contributions of those who look after them, from parents to nursing staff and carers.
    Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The famous golf swing celebration isn’t out of place either.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Event.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/event. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on event

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