Synonyms of circumstance

circumstance

noun

ˈsər-kəm-ˌstan(t)s 

1

as in destiny

a state or end that seemingly has been decided beforehand

the condemned murderer seemed indifferent to his circumstance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• destiny
• fate
• chance
• portion
• fortune
• doom
• accident
• luck
• kismet
• lot
• happenstance
• outcome
• hazard
• result
• consequence
• effect
• happenchance
• issue
• aftermath
• upshot
• casualty
• development
• predestination
• resultant
• sequence
• hap
• conclusion
• outgrowth
• aftereffect
• sequel
• fruit

2

as in event

something that happens

due to unexpected circumstances, the test will be postponed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• event
• thing
• incident
• occurrence
• episode
• occasion
• happening
• time
• affair
• accident
• experience
• coincidence
• phenomenon
• hap
• fluke
• page
• crisis
• emergency
• adventure
• happenstance
• turning point
• milestone
• landmark
• juncture
• news
• freak
• deed
• achievement
• happenchance
• co-occurrence
• exploit
• feat
• milepost
• tidings

3

as in luck

the uncertain course of events

I was a victim of circumstance, for nothing that I could have done would have made a difference

Synonyms & Similar Words

• luck
• chance
• accident
• hazard
• fate
• uncertainty
• casualty
• hap
• happenstance
• fortuity
• fortuitousness
• destiny
• randomness
• risk
• fluke
• fortune
• danger
• peril
• happenchance
• haphazardry
• doom
• lot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• purpose
• intent
• intention
• plan
• design
• scheme
• outline

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

Recent Examples of circumstance

Cook County Commissioner Kisha McCaskill has written to the Cook County state’s attorney’s office asking that the circumstances of the closure be investigated. —Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026

Further details about the circumstances of the crash were not immediately available Friday evening. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2026

Even if the setting and circumstances are over the top, the choices the characters make track as actual human behavior (if heightened). —Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo said charges were filed after review of the circumstances. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026