Thesaurus results for IN THE 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 Like other live sports, the event also raked in hefty advertising dollars. — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 22 July 2026 What events were surrounding his entering the water and then what happened? — Brian Brant, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026 While ticket prices surged to make last Sunday’s final, where Spain defeated Argentina for the FIFA World Cup Trophy, the most expensive sporting event ever, its impact on international tourism seems to be muted. — Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 While humanity knows about superheroes like Spider-Man (hence, the events of the previous games), mutants are still largely living in the shadows. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for event

Recent Examples of Synonyms for event

Noun

But, a day later, in a move many who served in law enforcement viewed as baffling, the warrant appeared to have been suddenly unsealed while the ongoing investigation into the incident was still underway.

— Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
At least two vehicles were involved in the incident, according to the Fire Department’s Facebook post.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2026

Definition of incident

Noun

The 2034 men’s tournament will be in Saudi Arabia — at a time of year that remains to be determined because of extreme heat.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
The amateur tournament has become a phenomenon in China, attracting millions of spectators across the country – and making for a colorful alternative to the World Cup that hasn’t seen a Chinese men’s national team compete for more than two decades.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Definition of tournament

Noun

If the lawsuit had played out in court, the losing party would be responsible for the other party’s attorneys’ fees, along with any other fees or damages awarded by a circuit court judge.

— Ilana Arougheti July 23, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
But even if party leaders approve a lineup shift this week, there’s no guarantee Georgians will vote early in the nominating contest.

— Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of party

Noun

Legally, a token that tracks a company's price and actual ownership of that company's shares can be two very different things.

— Mike Cahill, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
But, to be on the safe side, researchers decided to bring in a few of their key breeding stock — fragments of some of the last naturally occurring Elkhorn coral on the Florida reef — in case things get worse.

— Alex Harris July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

Definition of thing

Noun

While Comăneci's statement indicates Barbosu's case will proceed with CAS, the Olympian called on her fellow Romanians to contribute to the cause as a form of national pride and solidarity.

— Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
In that case, Canada lost six points, while their coach, Bev Priestman, along with analyst Joseph Lombardi and assistant coach Jasmine Mander, were handed a one-year ban from football by FIFA.

— Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of case

Noun

Any restrictions on player registration would not apply to the Premier League, but UEFA does have the power to limit whom Newcastle can name in a ‘List A’ squad for European competitions.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
Griffin and Mahony first heard about the Canberra competition just after their wedding.

— Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

Delivery had been delayed as the city grappled with the tragedy, a small but unforgettable reminder that Atlanta’s celebration had changed overnight.

— Andrea Clement, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
The whole thing, from the new series to the game nights themselves, even this evening’s celebrations, have the feeling of the late-1970s public access show TV Party, a loose, unpredictable New York salon helmed by Glenn O’Brien.

— Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2026

Definition of celebration

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evensongs

event

eventful

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“Event.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/event. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of event

noun

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Synonyms of event

noun

Synonym Chooser

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Phrases Containing event

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Cite this Entry

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