scenario

noun

sce·​nar·​io sə-ˈner-ē-ˌō 

 US also and especially British  -ˈnär-

plural scenarios

1

a

: an outline or synopsis of a play

especially : a plot outline used by actors of the commedia dell'arte

b

: the libretto of an opera

2

a

: screenplay

b

: shooting script

3

: a sequence of events especially when imagined

especially : an account or synopsis of a possible course of action or events

his scenario for a settlement envisages … reunification

—Selig Harrison

Synonyms

• screenplay
• script

Examples of scenario in a Sentence

A possible scenario would be that we move to the city.

The most likely scenario is that he goes back to school in the fall.

The best-case scenario would be for us to finish the work by tomorrow.

In the worst-case scenario, we would have to start the project all over again.

Recent Examples on the Web

Davis, the Mavericks' best two-way talent, appears to have avoided the worst-case scenario with the injury, at least, and will likely not require surgery to amend the ailment, reports Marc Stein of The Stein Line. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

When the Hall of Fame finally inducted Dunbar boys’ basketball coach Robert Hughes, in 2017, a tough scenario was narrowly avoided. —Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2025

Stabilizing the skid with a win over Northwestern on Tuesday was important and should help avoid the worst-case scenario. —Jim Root, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025

Avoid this scenario by sticking to a monthly cabinet and drawer cleanout as well as focusing on more in-depth cleaning tasks. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin scaenarium place for erecting stages, from scaena stage

First Known Use

1768, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

scenario

noun

sce·​nar·​io sə-ˈnar-ē-ˌō 

-ˈner-,

-ˈnär-

plural scenarios

1

a

: an outline of a play

b

: the text of an opera

2

: screenplay

3

: a sequence of events especially when imagined