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
Given the circumstances for the game against Arsenal last time out, a defensive wing-back system was understandable, but sticking with the same tactics against Newcastle was another reminder of how incognisant Nuno can be in his approach.
—
Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Although Djena wasn’t literally trapped in the Toures’ home, she was trapped by her circumstances.
—Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Times of unusually high uncertainty inherently make Fed communication less helpful because circumstances can change on a dime, Mester, the former Cleveland Fed president, said.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
The circumstances leading to the crash are still under investigation.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 17 May 2026
Find a human therapist who can assist in working through the circumstances at hand.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Both political insurgents were elected under extraordinary circumstances.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
The investigation is in its early stages, and detectives are working to determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting and identify a potential suspect, Taylor said.
—Kansas City Star, 10 May 2026
The series having three games in four nights has been taxing on both teams, but neither is dwelling on their circumstances compared to Boston and Ottawa’s six days off between games.
—Staff Report, Twin Cities, 9 May 2026
Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Although Djena wasn’t literally trapped in the Toures’ home, she was trapped by her circumstances.
—Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Times of unusually high uncertainty inherently make Fed communication less helpful because circumstances can change on a dime, Mester, the former Cleveland Fed president, said.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
The circumstances leading to the crash are still under investigation.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 17 May 2026
Find a human therapist who can assist in working through the circumstances at hand.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Both political insurgents were elected under extraordinary circumstances.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
The investigation is in its early stages, and detectives are working to determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting and identify a potential suspect, Taylor said.
—Kansas City Star, 10 May 2026
The series having three games in four nights has been taxing on both teams, but neither is dwelling on their circumstances compared to Boston and Ottawa’s six days off between games.
—Staff Report, Twin Cities, 9 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstances
Noun
-
The movies before this one, their destinies were so half-hazard.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
-
Cannes is a maker of destinies.—
Norine Raja,
Vanity Fair,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 May 2026
-
Or, in this case, cutting things up with scissors and tossing them around.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
The bottom line Getting more eyes on your job listing isn't about luck or waiting for the right candidate to stumble across your post.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
18 May 2026
-
The other says luck, crush and confusion.—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Yet this is also a meeting of the world’s two most powerful presidents, so ever present amid the discussions of airplane and soybean purchases will be the fates of two other nations, Iran and Taiwan.—
Vivian Salama,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
-
And within his own country’s history, particularly, Dhont discovered the fates that met would-be deserters who were caught — brutal sentences often leading to death.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Though the couple hasn't commented publicly on their relationship, and Foxx has been candid about keeping his relationships out of the spotlight in the past, Huckstepp has supported Foxx at a number of events.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
-
Inspired by true events, LifeHack follows Kyle and his crew of digital Robin Hoods who hack scammers and steal from people the internet loves to hate, working from the comfort of their bedrooms.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
The model was used to determine the chances that each match would experience dangerous heat conditions.—
Adam Kovac,
Scientific American,
14 May 2026
-
This graphic shows the forecast rain chances in South Florida over the next seven days.—
Lissette Gonzalez,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Some people argue that enforcement becomes necessary when encampments grow large or long-term, especially when safety concerns, sanitation issues, or violent incidents arise.—
Shianne LeClaire,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
-
The Tribune has reported on several incidents involving recreational boaters on Lake Michigan and nearby waterways, underscoring the importance of preparedness and safety awareness.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Nitrous oxide can impair judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
15 May 2026
-
Predicting accidents rather than just responding to them could save thousands of lives.—
Andrew Rogers,
Washington Post,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Circumstances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstances. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
