circumstantial evidence

noun

: evidence that tends to prove a fact by proving other events or circumstances which afford a basis for a reasonable inference of the occurrence of the fact at issue

Examples of circumstantial evidence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Leaning on circumstantial evidence and testimony later determined to be made under pressure by local police, according to the Exoneration Registry, Vedam was sentenced to life in prison but continued to appeal his conviction over the next 40-plus years. Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025 The detective, Skyler Rocz, described other circumstantial evidence that Vargas pointed to as proof of Sarah Hartsfield’s guilt. Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2025 Clark was always a suspect in the killing, but investigators only had circumstantial evidence at the time. Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 18 Sep. 2025 Everything else is conjecture and circumstantial evidence. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 3 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumstantial evidence

Word History

First Known Use

1736, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of circumstantial evidence was in 1736

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Cite this Entry

“Circumstantial evidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumstantial%20evidence. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

Legal Definition

circumstantial evidence

see evidence

More from Merriam-Webster on circumstantial evidence

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