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 This places the Dodgers as the top option for Tucker, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025 Details about the circumstances were not released at the time, though the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed to People and CNN that emergency responders were sent to Keaton's home and transported a woman to the hospital. Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025 With these words, the jailer confirmed the notion that the right circumstances had occurred for a death sentence to be given. Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025 The Sacramento Bee is not naming the student as the death did not occur in a public place and the circumstances preceding it are unclear. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstance
Noun
  • The Titanic steaming toward destiny as Rose and Jack fall in love.
    Jon Landau, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2025
  • To borrow a cliche, the M’s feel like the team of destiny.
    The Athletic MLB Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This is the fourth year of the event, and the additions of Steen, Jackman and Arbour will bring the number of players in the Hall of Fame to 20.
    Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Featuring high-profile guests like Coco Jones, the annual DKMS gala is a fundraising event hosted by the international nonprofit organization with a mission to fight blood cancer.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But procrastinators or the more spontaneous among us might not be out of luck if you.
    Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025
  • SpaceX’s luck appears to be turning, as the company notched a second straight successful test flight of the Starship launch system — the most powerful rocket ever constructed — on Monday evening.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • With Shildt gone, the fate of hitting coach Victor Rodriguez, 64, remains to be seen.
    Dennis Lin, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2025
  • However, there is growing Israeli anger over the fate of the hostages who did not survive captivity and delays in the return of their remains.
    Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And while handing Ole Miss its first loss of the year was reason to celebrate, things got pretty somber rather quickly for the Bulldogs after learning the injury status of one of their top playmakers.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • In addition, a stranger will come to town that will shake things up for Sharon and recontextualize both her past and her present.
    Alamin Yohannes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • As for the rest of the division, the Commanders are right in the hunt with a 36 percent chance of making the playoffs.
    Austin Mock, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • According to Senate President Ty Masterson, the redistricting blitz would in no way jeopardize the state’s chances of landing a stadium megaproject before the end of the year.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad were then called to the scene and were able to successfully locate and detonate the incendiary devices without any further incident.
    Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Violent clashes have erupted between Hamas and rival groups in several areas across Gaza, including an incident that culminated in an apparent public execution, as worries grow about the security situation following Israel’s withdrawal from parts of the territory.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Conley likens the hours following a playoff exit to the immediate aftermath of a minor car accident.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Stay safe on wintry roads with these valuable winter driving tips from the NWS, and reduce the risk of accidents during challenging weather conditions.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Circumstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstance. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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