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

Mona Yacoubian, the Middle East program director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the region is "currently living their 'nightmare scenario.'"

From Barron's

It is a different scenario for vaccines used to prevent cancer recurrence, which are administered in patients with advanced disease, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Any scenario that left Live Nation with Ticketmaster is a big win for them,” said Bill Werde, director of the Bandier Program for Recording and Entertainment Industries at Syracuse University.

From Los Angeles Times

Call it a case of scenario fixation syndrome.

From The Wall Street Journal

Uber Technologies’ latest move to capitalize on the nascent but fast-growing robotaxi market may help it avoid what analysts have labeled a “doomsday scenario.”

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• plot
• scheme