Scene — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈsēn/

Meaning & Definition of Scene

Scene (noun)

  1. one of the subdivisions of a play
  2. a division of an act presenting continuous action in one place
  3. a single situation or unit of dialogue in a play

Scene (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the place and time in which the action for a portion of a dramatic work (as a movie) is set

    "the first scene was the kitchen of a fancy restaurant during dinner"

  2. an outburst or display of excited anger

    "please don't make a scene while we're at the restaurant"

    similar: blowup, explosion, fireworks, fit, hissy (chiefly Southern & southern Midland), hissy fit, huff, tantrum
  3. position with regard to conditions and circumstances

    "one of the leading figures in the current political scene"

  4. the array of painted backgrounds and furnishings used to establish the setting in a stage production

    "helped build and paint scenes for the school play"

Related Entry: Scene-stealer (noun)

Scene-stealer is a different word from Scene. The synonyms below are for scene-stealer, not for scene.

  1. as in prima donna

Related Entry: Scene-stealers (noun)

Scene-stealers is a different word from Scene. The synonyms below are for scene-stealers, not for scene.

  1. as in prima donnas

    opposite: nonactors

Related Entry: Mise-en-scene (noun)

Mise-en-scene is a different word from Scene. The synonyms below are for mise-en-scene, not for scene.

  1. the array of painted backgrounds and furnishings used to establish the setting in a stage production

    "an era in which the mise-en-scène of Broadway musicals became ever more spectacular"

    similar: decor, scene, scenery, set
  2. the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded

    "the movie captures the mise-en-scène of strife and desperation in a country torn apart by civil war"

Related Entry: Make a scene (phrase)

Make a scene is a different word from Scene. The synonyms below are for make a scene, not for scene.

  1. to express one's anger usually violently

    "I know you're upset, but please stop making a scene."

Related Entry: Made a scene (phrase)

Made a scene is a different word from Scene. The synonyms below are for made a scene, not for scene.

  1. to express one's anger usually violently

    "I know you're upset, but please stop making a scene."

Related Entry: Makes a scene (phrase)

Makes a scene is a different word from Scene. The synonyms below are for makes a scene, not for scene.

  1. to express one's anger usually violently

    "I know you're upset, but please stop making a scene."

Related Entry: Making a scene (phrase)

Making a scene is a different word from Scene. The synonyms below are for making a scene, not for scene.

  1. to express one's anger usually violently

    "I know you're upset, but please stop making a scene."

Related Entry: Make (verb)

Make is a different word from Scene. The synonyms below are for make, not for scene.

  1. to bring into being by combining, shaping, or transforming materials

    "will you help me make the dough for the cookies?"

  2. to obtain (as a goal) through effort

    "we finally made it!"

    similar: achieve, attain, bag, chalk up, clock (up) (chiefly British), gain, hit, log, notch (up), rack up, ring up, score, win
  3. to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind)

    "the cats made quite a disturbance when they knocked the Christmas tree over"

  4. to carry through (as a process) to completion

    "one person from each department will be asked to make a short presentation at the meeting"

  5. to cause (a person) to give in to pressure

    "made him do all the work while everyone else just lounged around"

  6. to decide the size, amount, number, or distance of (something) without actual measurement

    "I make that to be about six feet long"

  7. to form by putting together parts or materials

    "make a model airplane"

  8. to give the impression of being

    "the family made merry despite their financial worries"

  9. to go on a specified course or in a certain direction

    "the baby made straight for the toy lying on the rug"

    similar: bear, head
  10. to put into effect through legislative or authoritative action

    "the legislature failed to make any new laws last session"

    opposite: repeal, rescind, revoke
  11. to receive as return for effort

    "I make considerably more money now than I did when I first started working here"

    opposite: forfeit, lose
  12. to have a clear idea of

    "what do you make of the latest information?"

    opposite: miss
  13. to position (something) so as to prevent passage through an opening

    "make the gate when ye leave"

    similar: close, shut, steek (chiefly Scottish)
    opposite: open

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Scene

The most common words with a similar meaning to Scene:

Chiefly Southern & southern Midland: hissy

Origin & Etymology of Scene

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 shine

First known use: circa 1520

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Scene

Words & Phrases Containing Scene

Frequently Asked Questions about Scene

What does "Scene" mean?

"Scene" means one of the subdivisions of a play. As a noun, it is defined as: one of the subdivisions of a play. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Scene"?

Other words for "Scene" include background, locale, setting, blowup, explosion, fireworks, fit and hissy. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Scene" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Scene"?

There are 78 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Scene". Common alternatives include background, locale, setting, blowup, explosion, fireworks, fit, hissy, hissy fit and huff.

How do you use "Scene" in a sentence?

Examples of "Scene" in a sentence: "the first scene was the kitchen of a fancy restaurant during dinner"; "please don't make a scene while we're at the restaurant"; "one of the leading figures in the current political scene".

Is "Scene" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Scene" is a noun.

Is "Scene" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Scene" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Scene"?

"Scene" is pronounced /ˈsēn/.

What is the origin of the word "Scene"?

"Scene" comes from 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 shine. First known use: circa 1520.