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 Keep an eye out for future airings of the episode on the complete TV schedule here. —Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 2 Aug. 2025 This week’s episode saw Carrie move on from the beloved romance, which the writers had teased to THR when confirming that Carrie’s chapter with Aidan was indeed over. —Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 1 Aug. 2025 Friday’s episode of Dexter: Resurrection pushes the Dexter/Mia narrative even further, with Mia suggesting something wild: a ménage-à-trois. —Nick Caruso, TVLine, 1 Aug. 2025 On the radio, Seely hosted the Sundays With Seely weekly show on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse channel, with her most recent episode airing on Sunday (July 27). —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for episode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for episode
  1. event
  2. incident
  3. thing
  4. circumstance
Noun
  • IndieWire shares details exclusively below ahead of the event taking place August 20-24.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 Aug. 2025
  • That might help explain why former Liverpool striker John Aldridge, a key member of that 1987-88 squad, was in attendance at the launch event.
    — Andy Jones, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of event
Noun
  • In that incident, a 21-year-old man was found shot in the stomach.
    — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 28 July 2025
  • Swan and the two other men were arrested in connection with the shooting incident on Dickson Street.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 July 2025
Definition of incident
Noun
  • Arizona's dynamic food and dining scene was recently in the national spotlight when Food Network released a list of the best things to eat in the state as part of their United Plates of America series.
    — Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
  • One thing's for certain, The Boring Company's tunnel to BNA will be anything but boring.
    — Charles Singh, The Tennessean, 29 July 2025
Definition of thing
Noun
  • Oster said the sentence justified the circumstances of the killing as well as the evidence presented during the trial.
    — Hailey Roden, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
  • Treatment for multiple myeloma is individualized based on disease severity and other factors that include age, general health, potential risks, and personal circumstances.
    — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025
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 7 Aug. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on episode

Nglish: Translation of episode for Spanish Speakers

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

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
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?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
iykyk if you know you know slang written in a neon
Quiz: Abbreviation Station TFW you have to figure out what 15 abbreviations ...
See All