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

While there’s no question the Thunder and Cavaliers are two of the best teams in the NBA, the odds of both advancing to the NBA Finals against each other — relative to the numerous different scenarios that could unfold — are quite low. —Nick Crain, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025

Then, their star sophomore went up for a rebound early in the second quarter and emerged from under the hoop wincing with pain, an image that inevitably conjured thoughts of the worst-case scenario. —Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025

Born said any efforts to fire Musk would likely be met with a legal challenge, and there could also be instead a scenario where Musk willingly steps down to get separation compensation and his spot on the Tesla board. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025

In fact, Gates now has guided Mizzou into the NCAA Tournament twice in three seasons out of improbable scenarios. —Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 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