1
as in destinies
a state or end that seemingly has been decided beforehand
the condemned murderer seemed indifferent to his circumstance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in things
something that happens
due to unexpected circumstances, the test will be postponed
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 circumstances
The circumstances were not the same, but the narrative sure could be.
—
Arpon Basu, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Cody Bellinger added that various circumstances are taken into consideration.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026
Our investment cycle takes years to put assets on the ground, which last for decades, and so our planning horizon doesn't respond to circumstances that emerge over this short a period of time.
—CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
In the decades since the robbery, several people believed to have ties to the heist were killed, and another died under suspicious circumstances.
—ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
Given these profound stakes, the extreme step of removing a child from their home must be reserved for the rare circumstances when a child clearly faces imminent, serious harm.
—Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
This is the classic day to meet new people under unusual circumstances.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
Her success is to see love and poetry all the time, despite her circumstances.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 25 Apr. 2026
The circumstances around his departure are unclear.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Arpon Basu, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Cody Bellinger added that various circumstances are taken into consideration.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026
Our investment cycle takes years to put assets on the ground, which last for decades, and so our planning horizon doesn't respond to circumstances that emerge over this short a period of time.
—CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
In the decades since the robbery, several people believed to have ties to the heist were killed, and another died under suspicious circumstances.
—ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
Given these profound stakes, the extreme step of removing a child from their home must be reserved for the rare circumstances when a child clearly faces imminent, serious harm.
—Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
This is the classic day to meet new people under unusual circumstances.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
Her success is to see love and poetry all the time, despite her circumstances.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 25 Apr. 2026
The circumstances around his departure are unclear.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstances
Noun
-
Twelve destinies searching for peace and belonging, while the house remains a haven through decades of turmoil.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
9 Apr. 2026
-
But Calle, like any writer, sketches her characters and frames their destinies.—
Elisa Wouk Almino
Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Confirm timing, assign ownership, and keep things clear.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2026
-
But things got wild when the robot started break dancing and bashing itself into a million robotic pieces.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The actress reached for the JW Pei Lucia Top-Handle bag, according to the brand, which, as luck would have it, is currently available on Amazon for less than $100.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Trump believes that working on a transition before an election is bad luck.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Left Arrow Right Arrow As the 2026 NFL Draft soldiered on through Saturday afternoon, many young men anxiously awaited the news of their fates for the next several years of football.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Over the course of the series’ six episodes, their relationship waxes and wanes, but continues to cast a shadow over their fates until the finale’s electrifying denouement.—
K.J. Yossman,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The residences were born out of necessity but have become cherished events for the thousands in the band’s cult.—
Jed Gottlieb,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
-
But Barnes noted that timing such events is difficult.—
Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Kings were desperate in this contest and had the more dangerous offensive chances early on.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Where the conflict goes in coming weeks and months will do more to improve or hamper the GOP’s chances of holding the Senate than the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee can ever do.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
These separate incidents have always stayed with me.—
Cressida Leyshon,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2026
-
For years, neighborhoods including LoDo and Ballpark have seen occasional violent incidents in the hours after nightclubs and bars close.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
One of only two Level 7 accidents, when a steam explosion destroyed reactor number four at the Ukrainian plant.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Parents should keep an eye on their kids to avoid accidents.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Circumstances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstances. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
