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as in possibility
something that might happen in the event of rain, graduation ceremonies will be held indoors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word event distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of event are circumstance, episode, incident, and occurrence. While all these words mean "something that happens or takes place," event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

When can circumstance be used instead of event?

The words circumstance and event are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

When would episode be a good substitute for event?

In some situations, the words episode and event are roughly equivalent. However, episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

When is incident a more appropriate choice than event?

While in some cases nearly identical to event, incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

When might occurrence be a better fit than event?

Although the words occurrence and event have much in common, occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.

an encounter that was a chance occurrence

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 event Stockton recalled a 2023 event put on by the Young Americans for Freedom, a conservative campus group. Emma Green, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025 Gain an edge with CNBC Pro LIVE , an exclusive, inaugural event at the historic New York Stock Exchange. Pia Singh, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025 The reporter on this story received access to this event from MSC Cruises. Nathan Diller, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025 Wednesday will mark 100 years since the first passenger train arrived at the Boise Depot, and the city is celebrating the landmark with four days of events. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for event
Recent Examples of Synonyms for event
Noun
  • The Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority also confirmed the incident in a statement.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The incident was later deemed a swatting call, a when a fake 911 report is made in order to activate police response.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • There is hope of working with his camp to find a new club — a move to a league like Saudi Arabia’s is not the only option and finding a team in Europe could be a possibility.
    Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Its landscapes don’t offer guarantees, but rather the tantalizing tease of possibility.
    Chris Schalkx, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Miami guard scored 30 points, and the team’s loss put them in the 10th spot in the playoffs – at the edge of the play-in tournament.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The Kings defeated the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the play-in tournament before losing to the New Orleans Pelicans in a game that would have sent them to the playoffs as the No.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Or more commonly known (if it’s commonly known?) as a placenta party.
    Danielle Pergament, Allure, 21 Apr. 2025
  • When a drug bust at a party attended by high-profile second-generation VIPs leads to a dangerous conspiracy, the yadang must fight to survive.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • As things stand, the Kings would host the Dallas Mavericks for a chance to move on in the tournament and play for the No. 8 seed in the next round.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But the great thing about cottage cheese is that it can be eaten in so many different ways.
    Hannah Coates, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Another case involves Venezuelan immigrants seeking hearings to contest their gang membership.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • In some cases, the frost is severe enough to end the growing season and is then referred to as a 'killing frost'.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Another directorial debut, the French drama Partir un Jour from first-timer Amélie Bonnin, will open this year’s festival, screening out of competition.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The major driver for the decline in coal use is the economic competition with cheaper and cleaner fuels, such as natural gas and renewables, Ryna Cui, research director for the Center for Global Sustainability at the University of Maryland, told ABC News.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Although Obama’s circumstances as wife to a president are certainly extraordinary, her comments immediately resonated with women across the country because of their universality.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • While there may be some benefits, health effects will vary depending on individual circumstances and how the diet is followed.
    Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Event.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/event. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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