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 Analyzing this data could help scientists better understand how best to prepare and respond to potentially dangerous events moving forward. —

Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024 As the ladies start filing into Sai’s dodgeball event in a various states of athletic dress, Brynn decides to spill the beans and tells Sai … and Jenna … and Racquel … and Ubah. —

Brian Moylan, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024 Get an explicit breakdown of events before starting something new. —

Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024 New perk: Easily find new routes and hidden gems, upcoming running events, and more near you. —

Lily Ritter, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for event

Recent Examples of Synonyms for event

Noun

The incident began on Sunday when two telecommunications companies detected traffic disruptions likely caused by physical damage to undersea cables.

Dhruv Mehrotra, WIRED, 23 Nov. 2024
The bridge's northbound lanes, which were not damaged by the fire, reopened in less than 24 hours after the incident.

Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024