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scene

noun

ˈsēn How to pronounce scene (audio)
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

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2
as in explosion
an outburst or display of excited anger please don't make a scene while we're at the restaurant

Synonyms & Similar Words
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 His scenes with Moore are a master class in how to find a character’s motivation — and a scream. — Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026 That’s a clear sign of just how timeless and sturdy his music is in a scene defined by constant turnover. — Billboard Japan, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2026 Witnesses told police the driver left the scene in the vehicle involved. — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026 Short, natural lengths are also dominating the scene this season. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scene
  1. setting
  2. explosion
  3. situation
  4. scenery
  5. background
  6. huff
  7. story
  8. decor
Noun
  • However, that is not the case for specialty ambulatory settings, particularly procedural fields like orthopedics, namely laterality, precise description of special tests, range-of-motion findings, procedure details and clear return-visit plans.
    — Pat Williams, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • State agencies want to improve access to early childhood settings for children with disabilities and developmental delays.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of setting
Noun
  • Among the most destructive munitions in Western military arsenals, an MK-84 explosion sends metal fragments in every direction for thousands of feet, can rip through metal and thick concrete, and often creates large craters in the earth.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The supervisor also will have a say in the county’s defense against a multimillion-dollar lawsuit stemming from the deadly 2025 Esparto fireworks explosion.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of explosion
Noun
  • Historically, that’s something that Salt Lake in particular has been good at showcasing given the intense situations that have bonded a group that, save for the felon, have almost all been on this ride since the beginning.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • After monitoring the situation, park managers found the bear unusually difficult to scare away and said its escalating proximity to humans posed a safety risk that was deemed unacceptable, according to the national park.
    — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of situation
Noun
  • The 24-year-old RFA requested a change of scenery after the season, and one thing that was made clear to me Monday is that the request remains in place.
    — Pierre LeBrun, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The scenery on this drive flits between idyllic towns and the breathtaking 450-foot golden sand dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore crowned with an autumn cap of red, green, and gold leaves.
    — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 12 Sep. 2026
Definition of scenery
Noun
  • Thoughts of suicide can touch anyone, regardless of age, background or circumstance, and they’re often tied to mental health conditions that go unrecognized or untreated.
    — Courtney Marx, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Chicagoans of all races and backgrounds vote and pay taxes here.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of background
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
Definition of huff
Noun
  • Whether Arnault can leverage his track record across multiple international brands to help reverse Nike's fortunes while cementing his position within the Arnault family's succession landscape remains a story that will unfold soon.
    — , CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Bible readers may wonder how this fit with Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac at God’s command, and philosophers have occasionally tried to reconcile the two stories with textual twists.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of story
Noun
  • Snodgrass has posted restaurant fixtures for sale on Facebook and Facebook Marketplace, including booths, tables, non-working booth jukeboxes and a scoreboard used in the decor.
    — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The original De Santis, which has since expanded to several locations throughout the city, still retains its original decor and the same wooden counter from 60 years ago.
    — Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of decor

Phrases Containing scene

Browse Nearby Words

scenarists
scene
sceneries
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Cite this Entry

“Scene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scene. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on scene

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scene

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