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 Prime Video’s original series Bosch: Legacy will return for its third and final season March 27, with 10 episodes, the streamer said Tuesday. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025 House of David premieres on Prime Video Thursday with the first three episodes in the eight-episode series. Tim Lammers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 In the closing episodes of the series (streaming now), his pupils Miguel (Xolo Maridueña) and Tory (Peyton List) win the boys and girls competitions of the international Sekai Taikai tourney. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025 Pretty much all clips from the episode have been scrubbed from the internet, but few can forget what was unleashed on the American people that fateful Saturday night. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for episode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for episode
Noun
  • Coordinate Non-Event Marketing Integrated marketing keeps the event benefits going.
    Karolyn Raphael, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Koster previously won silver in the event at the 2015 European Indoor Championships and had finished second in her qualifying race before the incident in the final this weekend.
    Julia Andersen, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The incident prompted officials to halt Coaster train service at the station for more than an hour.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The incident was investigated by the BBC and the woman’s complaint was upheld.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Luckily, Pattinson manages to keep things buoyant without diluting the late-capitalism metaphors or the melancholy existentialism.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The best nutrients for bone health Here’s where things get interesting: dairy foods meet many of these requirements.
    Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The circumstances that led to the shooting are still unknown, but investigators believe there was an altercation between the two.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The Blues did eventually miss the playoffs by one point, and Stastny could’ve made the difference, but the circumstances are not completely alike.
    Jeremy Rutherford, The Athletic, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Episode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/episode. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on episode

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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