Synonyms of episode

episode

noun

ˈe-pə-ˌsōd 

as in event

something that happens

I'm trying to forget the whole embarrassing episode

Synonyms & Similar Words

• event
• incident
• thing
• circumstance
• occurrence
• occasion
• happening
• time
• affair
• accident
• page
• experience
• coincidence
• phenomenon
• adventure
• landmark
• news
• hap
• turning point
• milestone
• crisis
• fluke
• emergency
• freak
• juncture
• deed
• achievement
• co-occurrence
• milepost
• happenstance
• feat
• tidings
• exploit
• happenchance

Synonym Chooser

How is the word episode distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of episode are circumstance, event, incident, and occurrence. While all these words mean "something that happens or takes place," episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

When might circumstance be a better fit than episode?

The words circumstance and episode can be used in similar contexts, but circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

When can event be used instead of episode?

The meanings of event and episode largely overlap; however, event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

When could incident be used to replace episode?

The words incident and episode are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

Where would occurrence be a reasonable alternative to episode?

While in some cases nearly identical to episode, occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.

an encounter that was a chance occurrence

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of episode

The first two episodes will be directed by Jason Moore. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025

Barack & Michelle Obama Just Had a Subtle Yet Telling Response to Those Divorce Rumors According to The New York Times, the first episode will discuss Craig Robinson’s divorce and Michelle’s reluctance to support her husband’s presidential run. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 11 Mar. 2025

Season 4 of the Emmy-winning comedy will premiere Thursday, Apr. 10 at 9/8c on Max, TVLine has learned, with the first two episodes. —Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 11 Mar. 2025

On the Monday, February 24 episode of the show, Dupree and Dooley, a member of the United States Air Force, introduce their parents to each other for the first time. —David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025