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
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.
Additional circumstantial evidence included the presence of Halbach's license plate, which was found in another vehicle on Avery’s property, a bullet fragment that was found in his garage with her DNA and Halbach's remains, which were located in and around a burn pit. Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025 His lawyers said that the government’s case relies heavily on circumstantial evidence and procedural overreach, not proof of intent or organized criminal activity. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 11 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 See All Example Sentences for circumstantial evidence

Word History

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of circumstantial evidence was in 1679

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Circumstantial evidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumstantial%20evidence. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

Legal Definition

circumstantial evidence

see evidence

More from Merriam-Webster on circumstantial evidence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!