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

Nobody wants to think about such eventualities, but it’s best to account for all possible scenarios in legal documents.

From MarketWatch

“All this feels like a pre-written scenario that has taken this long to unfold,” Ali said.

From Los Angeles Times

Such a scenario could also potentially saddle Blue Owl with the responsibility of funding the data center.

From MarketWatch

While the TikToker was rewarded for his creativity, Hougan imagined a scenario where 200 people do that at the next Super Bowl, and the odds in the betting market already reflect that “insider” knowledge.

From MarketWatch

But that company’s decision earlier this week to reopen talks with rival Paramount Skydance has opened the door for a scenario in which Netflix could walk away.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• plot
• scheme