scenario

American  

[si-nair-ee-oh, -nahr-] / sɪˈnɛər iˌoʊ, -ˈnɑr- /

noun

plural

scenarios

1. an outline of the plot of a dramatic work, giving particulars as to the scenes, characters, situations, etc.

2. the outline or the manuscript of a motion picture or television program, giving the action in the order in which it takes place, the description of scenes and characters, etc.

3. an imagined or projected sequence of events, especially any of several detailed plans or possibilities.

   One scenario calls for doubling profits by increasing our advertising, the other by reducing costs.

   Synonyms:

   sketch, concept, plan, scheme

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scenario British  

/ sɪˈnɑːrɪˌəʊ, sɪˈnɑː-, ˈsiːnərɪst /

noun

1. a summary of the plot of a play, etc, including information about its characters, scenes, etc

2. a predicted sequence of events

   let's try another scenario, involving the demise of democracy

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Other Word Forms

• scenarist noun

Etymology

Origin of scenario

First recorded in 1875–80; from Italian, from Latin scaenārium, scēnārium, noun use of scaenārius, scēnārius “belonging to the stage, theatrical,” from scaen(a), scēn(a) “background, stage, theater” ( scene ) + -ārius -ary

Example Sentences

A scenario where the conflict drags into May, before easing, could see prices average $125 per barrel this month before easing slowly.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

ECB economists forecast inflation could average 3.5% this year under an adverse scenario, well above its 2% target.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

It’s possible that she’s pregnant and on the move, although that scenario is “less likely,” Hunnicutt said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

"We've had this doomsday scenario mentioned on multiple occasions over the last 15 to 20 years," added Maguire.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

William Faulkner added his pilot’s know-how to the scenario, getting technical as he described exactly what Tania would have to do to make her plane turn and swoop and dive.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

Related Words

• plot
• scheme