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

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act prevents regulated entities, such as hospitals, from disclosing identifiable private information to third parties under most circumstances, unless the patient agrees. — Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026

Under normal circumstances, several thousand migrants cross without documents to the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla each year. — Kelsey Norman, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026

Under that circumstance, big river basins would have the same proportions as the small river basins that feed the tributaries within them. — Natalie Wolchover, Quanta Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026

This is a rare circumstance in which more open representation has not necessarily translated into more freedom of behavior. — Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026