Definition of scenenext
1
as in setting
the place and time in which the action for a portion of a dramatic work (as a movie) is set the first scene was the kitchen of a fancy restaurant during dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
3
as in situation
position with regard to conditions and circumstances one of the leading figures in the current political scene

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in scenery
the array of painted backgrounds and furnishings used to establish the setting in a stage production helped build and paint scenes for the school play

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 scene But, according to the warrant, location data from the Equinox show the vehicle leaving Gonzalez’s house in Florida City and traveling to the scene of the murders. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026 She was known for her work chronicling the early punk rock scene, capturing artists like Iggy Pop, the Ramones, Debbie Harry and Blondie, Richard Hell, the Sex Pistols, and the Clash. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026 The winning bidder could (after a near-bottomless spend) turn the hotel back into an oligarchical palace, or expand the hotel operation, or restage the monstrous Succession corporate-retreat scene that was filmed here. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 25 Sep. 2026 Firefighters treated him at the scene before he was taken to a hospital. — Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scene
Noun
  • The study was designed to examine the psychological effects of authority and powerlessness in a prison setting, according to the university.
    — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Next, consider your preferred setting, such as either a prong setting (which offers a more classic look) or bezel set.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • There’s been an explosion that has caused a giant ice shelf dubbed Judy, one roughly the size of Boston, to detach.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Blowing up a nuclear bomb in space would first destroy or disable any nearby satellites, and then the damage would spread as electronics-frying energetic particles from the explosion contaminated huge swaths of orbit.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The creditors’ lawsuit claims that Kenny engineered a situation in which Thai Union could control Red Lobster’s seafood purchasing—cutting out competitors and charging higher prices for shrimp.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • This idea of art as an impermanent intervention in the situation of things seems to be the essence of Mono-ha in Japan.
    — Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The five-room Tammy Fender Holistic Spa offers a change of scenery from the rest of the hotel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • But the scenery in this particular slice of the country is also stunning.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Styling options, like shoes and sunglasses, can be added as well as lifelike backgrounds; the models will then move around in the garment in a video.
    — Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Notably, Laboriel, who also does background vocals, has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, from Super Bowl halftime shows to concerts held in front of Queen Elizabeth.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Devers walked back to the dugout in a huff.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
  • Not everyone feels the same way, however, and some progressive parents and staff are in a huff.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Makary's time at the agency was defined by scientific disputes, leadership changes and a string of media stories detailing low morale and internal dysfunction among staffers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026
  • There’s a story there, a complicated and disturbing one, but the new Netflix film Unabomber won’t be the one to give it to us.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Some of that decor includes bedding and blankets, because what’s fall without feeling extra cozy?
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Ahead, design industry pros share the 7 decor mistakes that could be outdating your living room, along with simple fixes to refresh the space.
    — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scene. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on scene

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster