episode

noun

ˈe-pə-ˌsōd How to pronounce episode (audio)
Definition of episodenext
as in event
something that happens I'm trying to forget the whole embarrassing episode

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Austin Dennison, played by David Gyasi, tragically dies in the first few episodes of Season 4. — Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026 After writing the first episode of Season 2, Harjo immediately thought of Jones for the part as Lee’s father. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 Lee agrees to visit Mekka, which brings us to the episode’s title. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026 In terms of my book and the film, the themes are the same, but the episodes change. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for episode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for episode
  1. event
  2. incident
  3. thing
  4. circumstance
Noun
  • YouTube Europe boss Pedro Pina, a fixture at these events, reminded producers that the platform won’t take work away from them by entering the production game.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Her cousin, played by Azam Quadri, turns up without warning after 15 years away, and his visit brings back the events that once split the family.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of event
Noun
  • The incident follows a spate of drone attacks on at least seven cargo vessels off the Black Sea coasts of NATO members Romania and Bulgaria in October.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Wichita Mayor Lily Wu said on her personal Facebook page that the incident left her filled with sorrow.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of incident
Noun
  • The property is debuting as a member of Leading Hotels of the World, ushering in a new era of luxury for the area, and proving that, yes, chic and fabulous things can happen on either side of the Intracoastal.
    — Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Flashing back to that traumatic experience, Rainbeau goes through every single thing Rosa needs to do before clocking off.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of thing
Noun
  • The circumstances and cultural details may vary, but these unequal power dynamics between families and their domestic workers exist everywhere, to different degrees.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Such experiments have tended to thrive in contexts where landline-telephone use was impossible, for reasons of cost, infrastructure, or circumstance.
    — Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of circumstance

Browse Nearby Words

episcopates
episode
episodes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Episode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/episode. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on episode

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about episode

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