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

Relevance

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 Paul Bettany reprises his role as Vision in Marvel Television’s eight-episode sci-fi thriller, starring alongside James Spader, Ruaridh Mollica and James D'Arcy. — Paul Brett, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Cameron has written episodes of Boarders and The Flatshare, but Jaq will be his biggest screen project to date. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 Non-premium subscribers will be able to watch the episode the next day on Paramount+. — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 This episode was hosted by Amanda Aronczyk, produced by Sam Yellowhorse Kesler and edited by Jess Jiang. — Amanda Aronczyk, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for episode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for episode
  1. event
  2. incident
  3. thing
  4. circumstance
Noun
  • August's payrolls report, out Friday, will be the main event for economic data.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • At one of the first promotional events, Bullock briefly chatted about her time on the Miss Congeniality franchise.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of event
Noun
  • As more cars wrecked behind the incident, NASCAR was forced to throw the caution flag — freezing the field with Preece in front.
    — Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The teen, a standout player on his high school football team, remains behind bars over the alleged incident.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of incident
Noun
  • University of St Andrews primatologist Catherine Hobaiter and Dartmouth College anthropologist Nathaniel Jay Dominy think these two things – fire and human speech – may be fundamentally linked.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Despite the slower pace of things pre-internet, all 250,000 tickets had gone within nine hours.
    — Devinder Bains, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of thing
Noun
  • Other complicating factors can include things like child custody, income, housing and other circumstances that can make domestic survivors feel stuck.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Biz2Credit also considers the circumstances, particularly for seasonal businesses or companies seeking financing to smooth out short-term cash flow irregularities.
    — Carson Brunson, CNBC, 31 Aug. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on episode

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about episode

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All