Synonyms of scene
1
: one of the subdivisions of a play: such as
a
: a division of an act presenting continuous action in one place
b
: a single situation or unit of dialogue in a play
the love scene
c
: a movie or television episode or sequence
2
a
: a stage setting
b
: a real or imaginary prospect suggesting a stage setting
a sylvan scene
3
: the place of an occurrence or action : locale
scene of the crime
4
: an exhibition of anger or indecorous behavior
He has stolen her salad, but she's too well-mannered to make a scene. [=act in a disruptive way]Vincent Canby
5
a
: sphere of activity
the drug scene
b
: situation
a bad scene
see also:

Examples of scene in a Sentence

The play's opening scene takes place in the courtyard. The actor was nervous about his big scene. Police are now at the scene.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Hilton was involved in the incident and said officers spoke with family members on scene. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026 And in a city where the culinary scene is still evolving, its restaurant is a welcome addition. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026 The program seeks to solve one of the main problems with AI filmmaking, which seeks to create 3D scenes, including in live action, without ever breaking out from the 2D confines of a laptop. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026 This scene is playing out across the country right now, and the rules behind it will not sit still. Elie Y. Katz, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scene

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, stage, from Latin scena, scaena stage, scene, probably from Etruscan, from Greek skēnē shelter, tent, building forming the background for a dramatic performance, stage; perhaps akin to Greek skia shadow — more at shine

First Known Use

circa 1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scene was circa 1520

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scene. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
a
: a division of an act during which there is no change of scene or break in time
b
: a single situation or conversation in a play
the love scene
c
: a small part of a motion picture or a television program
2
a
: a stage setting
change scenes
b
: a view or sight that looks like a picture
a winter scene
3
: the place of an event or action : locale
the scene of the crime
4
: a display of anger or misconduct
made a scene when accused of the crime
5
a
: area of activity
the music scene
b
: situation sense 3
the scene got serious when the police arrived

Medical Definition

scene

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