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 Over the span of 10 weekly episodes, the series features a group of amateur bull riders competing for a chance to join a PBR team. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 8 July 2025 That’s what fans were wondering after the Max comedy’s July 3 episode, in which Lisa (Nicole Ari Parker) lost her 90-year-old father to a stroke. —Andy Swift, TVLine, 8 July 2025 All eight episodes release Thursday, Oct. 16, on Peacock. —Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025 In this week’s episode, Rex sits down with entrepreneur Andy McNeill and State Rep. Matt Duffield, R-Russellville, co-hosts of the Free Arkansas podcast, to discuss how open dialogue and practical policymaking could shape the state’s future. —Rex Nelson, Arkansas Online, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for episode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for episode
  1. event
  2. incident
  3. thing
  4. circumstance
Noun
  • These events have become more frequent in recent years with the proliferation of personal devices powered by lithium-ion batteries, such as laptops, tablets, cell phones, vape pens and portable chargers.
    — Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • The event will begin the evening of Sept. 8 with an industry dinner and cocktail.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 8 July 2025
Definition of event
Noun
  • Anyone with information about the incident has been asked to contact Trumbull police at 203-261-3665.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025
  • In each of these incidents, settlers struck in broad daylight.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Definition of incident
Noun
  • The popularity of body mists comes down to three main things: affordability, versatility, and nostalgia.
    — Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 15 July 2025
  • The more Jeanne relies on the authorities, the more complicated things get if and when Suzanne resurfaces.
    — Peter Debruge, Variety, 15 July 2025
Definition of thing
Noun
  • The theatrical paradigm is slowed, extended and occasionally reversed by the circumstance.
    — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The schedule may be modified due to weather or other circumstances.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 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 21 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on episode

Nglish: Translation of episode for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about episode

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