Synonym Chooser

How is the word circumstance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of circumstance are episode, event, incident, and occurrence. While all these words mean "something that happens or takes place," circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

When could episode be used to replace circumstance?

The words episode and circumstance can be used in similar contexts, but episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

When might event be a better fit than circumstance?

The meanings of event and circumstance largely overlap; however, event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

When can incident be used instead of circumstance?

While the synonyms incident and circumstance are close in meaning, incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

When would occurrence be a good substitute for circumstance?

Although the words occurrence and circumstance have much in common, occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.

an encounter that was a chance occurrence

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of circumstance The bottom line is that societal views on motherhood and family have real implications for everyday people — especially mothers with similar circumstances but less money than Cardi B. Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025 Given the current circumstances, Overgaard agrees. David Folkenflik, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025 The sheriff’s office is investigating the circumstances that led to the drowning and has not released the girl’s name or age. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025 Many scientists believe genetics and environmental circumstances could play a part in its development. Sam Woodward, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstance
Noun
  • Supported by her ride or die mom and best friend, Savvy decides to take control of her destiny and sets out on some renovations, from her career to her kitchen.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 30 Sep. 2025
  • As in 2007 and 2008, the Mets entered a final series against the Marlins in control of their destiny.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This event will be the first of three supermoons in 2025, with others in November and December.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Top 10 events in Cincinnati this weekend – Lions and pumpkins and beers (oh my).
    Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Hopefully, the 2026 WNBA season will consist of much better luck.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Chicago hitters hadn’t had much luck against San Diego starter Nick Pivetta’s high fastball, with just one hit and six strikeouts through four innings.
    Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Once the selloff happened, the Twins were destined to be awful for the final two months, all but sealing Baldelli’s fate.
    Aaron Gleeman, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • As fate would have it, the Padres came back from a 3-2 deficit with four runs in the inning for what turned out to be a 6-3 final.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • What’s the most rewarding thing for you about being a journalist?
    Nicole Young, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025
  • If things are open deep, Sayin can take shots.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Pay an additional $1 to add the Power Play for a chance to multiply all Powerball winnings except for the jackpot.
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
  • There is a 20% chance of showers.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Everyone was safe after the incident, according to a statement released by the organizers.
    Rajeev Tyagi, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
  • What To Know Schleswig-Holstein's interior minster, Sabine Sütterlin-Waack, confirmed that drones were seen flying above the coastal state just south of Denmark overnight into Friday, September 26, and that the incident is under investigation for potential sabotage or espionage.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Both of his parents came in for the game, though Morton said his mom hurt her leg in an accident and was unable to come to the ballpark.
    David O'Brien, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • One of the saddest parts of Remember The Titans is when Bertier got into a car accident that left him paralyzed before their last game.
    Jessica Booth, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Circumstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstance. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on circumstance

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!