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 Trump is no more likely to commit the United States to wage war in Ukraine under any circumstances than was the Biden administration, which refused to do so. Barry R. Posen, Foreign Affairs, 21 Apr. 2025 Season 1 was about how bonds are built in impossible circumstances, and every plot tweak underscored that idea. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2025 All the circumstances played out perfectly in her favor. Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 Emery has offered extenuating circumstances, but Watkins has not. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstance
Noun
  • On May 25, 2010, Leake made his fateful first trip to the country whose music scene would prove his destiny and his possible ruin.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Independent Now Alongside her growing institutional recognition, Aya Nakamura has taken full control of her professional destiny.
    Billboard France, Billboard, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the wake of the devastating events of last Sunday's episode of The Last of Us, this week's installment marked a new chapter for Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and the rest of the survivors of the infected horde's attack on Jackson.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 28 Apr. 2025
  • This type of shoe is perfect for evening or more formal events and goes great with dark jeans or satin finish.
    René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Those hoping for a significantly cheaper way to buy Gemini Advanced will probably be out of luck.
    Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The less credibility those have, the more likely that Putin will be tempted to try his luck with round three.
    The Editors, National Review, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But in a twist of fate, his estranged grandfather, the notorious outlaw Harland Rust (Baldwin), breaks him out of jail, and the two flee to Mexico.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 1 May 2025
  • The funding is currently frozen, with an uncertain fate.
    Camila Domonoske, NPR, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Surrounded by pediatric oncologists, Matt starts to think about how insignificant his contributions to the world are in the grand scheme of things.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Today, the firm manages multiple impact funds, focusing on things like affordable housing for families and investing in sustainable materials and social enterprises.
    Andi Cross, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm: To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Yet Cambiaso’s average of 1.3 key passes per 90 is not too far behind the Liverpool man’s mark of 1.8, perhaps showing that in a better, more fluid attack, the chances created result in far more goals.
    Adam Digby, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Connecticut State Police are leading the investigation into the incident, Bessette said.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Once the interview is completed, it is expected Bojang will be sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the incident.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After losing her 6-year-old daughter to a tragic accident, one mother honored her child through friendship bracelets at the 2024 Era’s Tour Comments Diane Harrell lost her daughter, Isla Grace, in March 2024 after a tragic accident involving a drunk driver.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Giuffre had been in a contentious divorce with her husband, Robert, and had recently been injured in a car accident in Australia.
    Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Circumstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstance. Accessed 5 May. 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!