Thesaurus results for EVENT

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

event

noun

i-ˈvent

Definition of event next

as in incident

something that happens dinnertime was devoted to talking over the day's events, not to watching television

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in possibility

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in tournament

a competitive encounter between individuals or groups carried on for amusement, exercise, or in pursuit of a prize figure skating is usually one of the most popular events in the winter Olympics

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in party

a social gathering the mayor's evenings are often tied up with one event after another

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 event The University of Savoy Mont Blanc research teams are just now discerning patterns and plotting the frequency of extreme mountain events. —

Paul Hockenos, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Jan. 2025 As part of her mission to nurture a community of entrepreneurs, investors and managers, Sweeting has also started a Power Lunch series of events, with the first taking place late last year at Mount Street restaurant in Mayfair. —

Samantha Conti, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025 California More than 9,000 homes, structures damaged or destroyed in Palisades, Eaton fires, officials say 29 minutes ago Fleming offered a riveting play-by-play of the day’s events. —

Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025 The funeral, part of a week of events mourning the ex-president ahead of his burial in tiny Plains, Georgia, was packed with pageantry, intrigue, pomp and ceremony, in notable juxtaposition with Carter’s homespun life. —

Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for event

Recent Examples of Synonyms for event

Noun

The exhibition comes amid new daily visitor limits at Pompeii Archaeological Park, which has been grappling with record-breaking crowds and occasional incidents of vandalism.

Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Jan. 2025
There was an incident in the 2600 and 2700 blocks of Grand Avenue on Jan. 8, and another in the 500 and 600 blocks of Jude Avenue on Jan. 7.

Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025