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

Examples 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 episode New episodes will be released each Thursday through Jan. 9. Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 11 Dec. 2024 On this episode of Dinner SOS, Chris, Kendra, and Jesse talk all things holiday. Bon Appétit, 11 Dec. 2024 The 57-year-old podcast host's show was officially topped by the debut episode of Not Gonna Lie, Kylie Kelce's new podcast that premiered on Thursday, December 5. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 Listen to Cook's story on the Fly on the Wall episode above. Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for episode 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for episode
Noun
  • The panel pointed out that the Secret Service, already stretched thin by the demands of a presidential campaign, was tasked with protecting two high-profile individuals that day—Trump and first lady Jill Biden, who was attending a nearby event.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
  • There is no way to buy it, and mothers can only get it for free by participating in events.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • But that incident happened in Canton, Ohio, and the woman was not a Haitian immigrant.
    Maria Ramirez Uribe and Amy Sherman, Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024
  • That means talking to the parents, teachers and even law enforcement to see if there have been any reports of incidents at the home.
    Holly Yan, CNN, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • These are things that the federal government has an appropriate role to do.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2024
  • However, things only got more complicated for Johnson on Wednesday when Trump and Vice President-elect J.D.
    Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • There is a handy lesson there that applies to this circumstance.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The circumstances of the shooter's death weren't immediately clear, though Barnes noted that police did not fire their weapons.
    KC Baker, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near episode

Cite this Entry

“Episode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/episode. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on episode

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