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

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 And streaming service Max airs Talking Sopranos, a video podcast where Sopranos actors Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa break down every episode of The Sopranos alongside various castmates and writers. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 4 Apr. 2025 The episodes turned both women into advocates for patients and spurred research that made American health care safer. Arthur Allen, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025 But Eastman acknowledged in a 2024 podcast episode that collecting medical debts has grown more challenging as regulators have restricted how collectors can pursue patients. Noam Levey, NPR, 4 Apr. 2025 Throughout the episode, Saxon is putting together the pieces of the night before. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for episode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for episode
Noun
  • To submit events To submit a community event for online publication, email information at least two weeks before the event to [email protected].
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Infantino confirmed in an address to UEFA’s annual congress in Belgrade that the U.S., probably alongside other Concacaf members, had a clear path to stage the event.
    Samindra Kunti, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • None of the country’s three top circuits have issued any warnings, and one top exhibitor says the vast majority of its showings have been without a major incident.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • According to the news release from the Los Angeles Police Department, the incident occurred Tuesday afternoon, April 8, after California Highway Patrol requested backup in locating three misdemeanor hit-and-run suspects who fled into a residential neighborhood of Eagle Rock in Los Angeles.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • And also, thinking about thousands of others going through the same thing.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • After the couple’s patient died, the last thing that Teddy wanted to do was discuss the fact that Owen had slept with someone else.
    Charlie Mason, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Although Obama’s circumstances as wife to a president are certainly extraordinary, her comments immediately resonated with women across the country because of their universality.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Melodrama gets a bad rap for being too exaggerated, and over-the-top but outrageous circumstances beget heightened emotions.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Episode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/episode. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on episode

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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