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

There is justifiable scepticism that this is a deliberate philosophical shift, but rather a reaction to injury and circumstance, combined with an attempt to generate some enthusiasm about an otherwise underwhelming set of players. —Nick Miller, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026

This approach has historical precedent, as FIFA successfully relocated the 1986 World Cup from Colombia to Mexico within six months when circumstances changed. —Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026

Tom Brady also assumed the top position in his field under unexpected circumstances. —Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026

The sheriff's office said detectives, crime scene investigators and investigators with the district attorney's office were on scene Friday to determine the circumstances surrounding the woman's death. —Tim Fang, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026