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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 Visualize a grand display of rare artwork, luxe furniture, and fine decor—proper enough to host public events like funerals or weddings at times. Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2025 Photos and videos: Family photos, vacation videos, special events like weddings or graduations and other personal memories that cannot be recreated. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025 The event will take place from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday at 6902 S. Eisenman Road. KTVB reported earlier on Stewart and Wright’s initiative. Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 22 Mar. 2025 Schimel earlier this week campaigned with Donald Trump Jr. at an event where the president's son said electing Schimel was essential for protecting Trump's agenda. arkansasonline.com, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for event
Recent Examples of Synonyms for event
Noun
  • Morgan Wallen sentenced: The country star pleaded guilty in Nashville chair-throwing incident After only giving Madison a hug, the singer walked into the audience and past the camera, while the rest of the cast remained on stage for another 90 seconds.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Bickerstaff, who is in his first year coaching Detroit, added the team is ‘frustrated after the incident and the loss.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Even if this bird flu doesn’t eventually become the p-word, other pandemic possibilities will likely emerge in the coming years.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The Gilded Age actress was coy, however, when asked about the possibility of a third installment.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The projections will be updated after the completion of every tournament game.
    Austin Mock, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The team then had to fly to Spokane, Washington, for the next round of the tournament.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The outlet reported that Sanchez had two engagement parties – one in Beverly Hills and another in Positano, Italy.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • In the Kirk podcast interview, Newsom broke with many in his party on the issue of transgender women in sports.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Few things can complicate the otherwise straightforward matter of death quite like family and the possibility of inheritance.
    Ashley Case, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Jake Paul has nothing but good things to say about his Disney days.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In many cases, these startups rely on partnerships with banks or insurers behind the scenes, effectively becoming a slick user interface on top of more traditional financial institutions.
    Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The Cavs’ big man had a great case to battle Wembanyama for the honor before Wembanyama’s season ended.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Start before your competition Start looking before your competition heats up.
    Phil Blair, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The commission has sought to bolster E.U. e-commerce sales competition while targeting companies selling unsafe and counterfeit products.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • His lawyers noted there are many circumstances which might make a person ineligible for bond, such as coming in at a port of entry and having a visa questioned.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
  • However, nuance matters in punctuation, and Albritton has found an important caveat: In certain circumstances, periods are used to convey earnestness or seriousness.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Event.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/event. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on event

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