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 Oster said the sentence justified the circumstances of the killing as well as the evidence presented during the trial. Hailey Roden, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025 All of the final four couples were formed in the last couple of weeks and some even more recent due to circumstances out of their control. Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 13 July 2025 She's obviously been through an amazing journey, a trauma, no doubt – a testimony to demonstrating her bravery in those circumstances... Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025 There is also a lack of clear guidance for clubs in these circumstances. James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstance
Noun
  • There's some divine destiny, fate, something going on that brings them together.
    Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 22 July 2025
  • This person is not a billionaire entrepreneur, but rather an inventor who shaped the economic destiny of an entire nation: Toyoda Sakichi.
    Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • At the end of the day, Brown and the event participants and attendees agreed the summit was a success.
    Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 21 July 2025
  • Crashing out can stem from big or small stressors, and are likely to occur in those who do not have developed coping skills, are under a lot of stress, or experience emotional dysregulation (being unable to control and cope with life’s negative events).
    Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • Back in 2020, luck fell the Cowboys' way when wide receiver CeeDee Lamb slid in the draft.
    Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
  • Final Thoughts: Your Business Buyer Is In Your Network Finding a buyer for your business doesn’t require luck.
    Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • The cloudy days hovering over the fate of the U.S. Airline sector appear to be clearing out, with Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) reporting better-than-expected 2Q 2025 financial results this week.
    Ankita Dhawan, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • For Scotty, a young puppy facing a grim fate, time was running out.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Then, on June 12, she was awakened in the middle of the night and told to gather her things.
    Juwayriah Wright, Time, 15 July 2025
  • Doing kind things for friends can be mutually beneficial.
    Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Sacramento has a chance to become the first team to win three Las Vegas Summer League championships.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
  • Indeed, France’s indiscipline was such that Germany had the best chance to win in normal time from the penalty spot.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • Anyone with information about the incident has been asked to contact Trumbull police at 203-261-3665.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025
  • Allegations of the incident being an elaborate hoax arose later that night, following the family's interview on Larry King Live.
    EW.com, EW.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • The accident occurred on July 16 at the Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, New York, according to a press release from the Nassau County Police Department in Long Island.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
  • Proponents argue video footage would provide crucial details for accident investigations, while opponents cite privacy concerns.
    Dan Catchpole, USA Today, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Circumstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstance. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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