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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 My forecast: Giving himself a 38th birthday gift, Messi will lead Inter Miami to the quarterfinals, prompting champagne toasts among FIFA’s event organizers, MLS power brokers and the Club World Cup’s broadcast partners. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025 My solution is to send electronic notes — for expressing appreciation, recognizing significant events, etc. Judith Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025 Here’s what to know about any planned street closures surrounding these events. Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 June 2025 The International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC), one of the oldest and most prestigious annual global spirit judging events, just released the results for their 2025 event. Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for event
Recent Examples of Synonyms for event
Noun
  • Covington also lied to federal investigators about the incident.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • The incident's central command constantly receives progress reports from firefighters on the ground.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • And a time before unlimited texting was even a possibility, the DS wireless capability turned the Pictochat feature into an unlimited place for discussion and connection between friends.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2025
  • The sequel features a living world rich with possibilities and places a heavy emphasis on story, role-playing elements, and player freedom.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • So far, in the NCAA tournament, Cholowsky had been uncharacteristically quiet for his standards.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • The Seattle Sounders are among the teams playing in the tournament.
    Anne M. Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Or make a batch of Spring Negronis and call it a party.
    Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
  • Great spot for all matches, special pre-game party for Bayern Munich vs. Boca Juniors June 20.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Real Madrid is closing in on Argentina’s next big thing As reported by various outlets, Real Madrid is closing in on Mastantuono after sending a delegation to Buenos Aires last week.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Sick to death of being poor, Lucy ended things with John.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • And there's likely no cause for alarm in this latest case, either.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • In one case, the high court halted an order from a judge in Maryland that has restricted the team's access to the Social Security Administration under federal privacy laws.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • Both vodkas have consistently earned medals in international spirit competitions.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Many prominent advocates for excluding transgender girls from sports praised Dhillon’s actions last week as a bold move to protect cisgender girls from unfair competition.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Arbitration ordinarily arises in circumstances where the parties are in an employment or consumer relationship.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 8 June 2025
  • The pooch, who got a new lease on life after he was rescued from dire circumstances, became social media famous after Klee documented his journey on TikTok, with some of the videos garnering millions of views.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 8 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Event.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/event. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on event

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