Definition of circumstancenext

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 Policing expert Ian Adams, who teaches criminal justice at the University of South Carolina, said regardless of the circumstances, the officer should not have fired at the car. Travis Loller, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2026 Reportedly, his parents are trying to make sure George still has as normal a childhood as possible within the circumstances. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 20 June 2026 The 59ers, who also got a two-run double from senior outfielder Luke Goben in the seventh, tried to stay focused under the unusual circumstances. Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026 Structural selling is driven by the owner’s circumstances. Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for circumstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstance
Noun
  • In August 1781, a couple of months before the end of the war, Sedgwick and his co-counsel, a law professor named Tapping Reeve, appeared in the Great Barrington Inferior Court of Common Pleas, a small wooden building where a jury would decide the destinies of Freeman and Brom.
    New York Times, New York Times, 22 June 2026
  • Afterward, shareholders captured nearly all the gains—a conscious reallocation, not market destiny.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • The best Prime Day clothing deals tend to change day by day, so check back in over the course of the event to shop all the newest and most exciting markdowns.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 23 June 2026
  • Boggi Milano, which will also be the official licensee of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, is a fitting partner to the global sporting event.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Perhaps the problem arose from the extravagant expectations of American life, the sense that bad luck will always be chased by good fortune and that the poor man is merely someone who has yet to strike it rich.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
  • Members gather on local piers to learn crabbing techniques, understand regulations and try their luck at bringing home fresh seafood.
    Loureen Ayyoub, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • During the draft lottery, there was a tense moment in the room when the fourth pick was being drawn, as Indiana’s fate was about to be revealed.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 24 June 2026
  • The deal set out expectations for the next phase of negotiations, which will confront more complex topics, including the fate of Iran's nuclear program.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • But an Iran agreement that allows those barrels to come back into stockpiles, and actually refilling the inventories, are two separate things.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • Kylee explained that Aven eventually ended things again, citing the damage done to their relationship.
    Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The three-time AL MVP had earmarked this year’s Citizens Bank Park festivities, just 45 miles from his New Jersey hometown, as a rare chance to finally enter the derby.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • That’s still high, but moves downward mean less chance of a vicious cycle where expectations for higher inflation drive changes in behavior that create higher inflation.
    Stan Choe, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Hinkley was killed, and Fox survived with serious injuries in the incident, according to a report from the California Highway Patrol.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
  • Extreme heat claimed the lives of three hikers in two incidents last week in the Grand Canyon.
    Valerie Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Eiglarsh added that while the suffering of the families was evident throughout the trial, the defense successfully argued that the crash was a tragic accident.
    Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • Was fatal boat crash just an accident — or was Pino reckless?
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Circumstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstance. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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