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 The Connecticut State Police Major Crimes Squad responded to the home and assisted with processing the scene. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026 Here’s everything to know about the movie’s dramatic final scenes. — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026 The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene, called for help and is cooperating with the investigation. — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026 Foodies and farmers railed against the settlement, saying the park’s new plan would destroy the food scene in west Marin County and kneecap the already struggling agrarian community. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 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
  • The primary setting of the show is Manhattan Plaza, a subsidized apartment complex populated by artists and musicians, where Ali finds a sense of community while navigating a strained relationship with her mother, Jersey, and a budding romance.
    — Maya Santiago, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • It’s further set off with cabaret-style setting in the academy’s gallery.
    — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of setting
Noun
  • Deadly fires, often linked to electrical faults or gas cylinder explosions, are common in India where investigators have frequently pointed to safety lapses and inadequate enforcement of fire regulations as contributing to recurring loss of life.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Hugo Weaving’s Frank Harkness, the nefarious birth father of agent River Cartwright (Jack Lowdon), also makes an appearance, and the trailer previews plenty of explosions, shootouts and even hand-to-hand combat.
    — Lisa de los Reyes, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of explosion
Noun
  • Humanitarian intervention alone is unable to improve this dire situation.
    — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The situation is fluid and Mangione could conceivably decide against pleading guilty between now and Friday.
    — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of situation
Noun
  • Two mountain refuges sit high on the plateau, giving hikers the option to spend the night surrounded by Olympus' alpine scenery.
    — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Bulldozers are clearing land in the beloved national park, where wildlife roams and the scenery has been untouched for thousands of years.
    — Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of scenery
Noun
  • Some have dubbed the cover itself as racist, while others are saying Blanco’s non-Latin background as the problem.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The company highlights the median annual income of its members — $32,500 — and their working-class backgrounds, billing its model as a way for tenants to gain financial and personal stability.
    — Diamy Wang August 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 Aug. 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
  • The week’s biggest stories Animal and pet sagas Big Bear celebrity eagle Shadow has been seen with a new eagle at the nest.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • As a preteen, I became absorbed in the life of Davy Crockett, Wild Bill Hickok and others through stories written for my age group.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of story
Noun
  • Another Solid Wood Option These Rejuvenation bar stools with a midcentury-modern lean look right at home in senior shopping editor Nashia Baker’s Brooklyn apartment, where most of the furniture and decor already followed the design style.
    — Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Vintage Halloween decor is making a comeback, bringing that old-school charm and plenty of nostalgia to spooky season this year.
    — Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of decor

Phrases Containing scene

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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 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on scene

Nglish: Translation of scene for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scene

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