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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

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 Before Saint Moritz, the last runway event held by the brand was in February 2017, a winter ball staged at Manhattan’s Hammerstein Ballroom during New York Fashion Week. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025 According to organizers, the event should attract about 215,000 visitors. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2025 The two-hour event will kick off with an immersive experience, setting the stage for all to come. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 21 Jan. 2025 The president also had an event scheduled Tuesday in California to announce new national monuments. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 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
  • School officials confirmed that an incident outside Carver Vocational-Technical High School on Thursday afternoon sent students and a staff member to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
    Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • There’s also a possibility that some manufacturers may simply swap Red No. 3 for Red 40, another dye that is associated with separate health concerns.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Israel and much of the international community have been skeptical about the possibility of a multinational force in Gaza, and with good reason.
    Nir Arielli, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • For Medvedev, defeat against Tien marks his earliest exit from the Australian Open since 2018, having finished runner-up at three of the last four tournaments.
    George Ramsay, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The 2026 World Cup, to be held in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, has been expanded to 48 teams for the first time in the tournament’s history.
    Felipe Cardenas, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Take Jennifer Lopez, for example, who channeled old Hollywood glamour at a Golden Globes party.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025
  • From there, the Brooklyn dwellers planned the ultimate party, not in NYC, but down south in New Orleans.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Always adept at this kind of comedy action thing, Diaz has not missed a beat and does most of her stunts, as does Foxx.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025
  • In the grand scheme of things, a game on a field is nothing compared to the task of losing a loved one or rebuilding a life after losing it all.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In those cases, the project reports the most conservative tolls of missing people.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The incident comes as shelters and pet hospitals in Michigan, including Woodhaven Animal Hospital and Romulus Animal Shelter, reported seeing a rise in animal abuse cases.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Howe’s men will share the club record of nine consecutive victories across all competitions with Kevin Keegan’s vintage (May to September 1994) and Rafa Benitez’s Championship-winning side (September to November 2016).
    Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Making better use of A.I., Mr. Burns said, is crucial to the U.S. competition with China.
    Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Despite her current circumstances, the proud mother was able to make a rare public appearance last month to attend her son Kevin Hunter Jr.’s graduation in Florida.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The theater’s return would be welcome, and a victory over circumstances.
    Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 16 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near event

Cite this Entry

“Event.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/event. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on event

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