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
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Recent Examples of circumstances
Older Americans — who’ve worked hard all our lives — shouldn’t be pushed out onto the streets, forced to go without sufficient food or health care due to unfortunate circumstances.
—
Sherlea Dony, Sun Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
Multilateral organizations may also need clear protocols outlining who can access confidential materials, under what circumstances, and for how long.
—Allison Carnegie, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024
The owner does have the theoretical option to try to convince a court that building expenses or other circumstances justify a higher rent increase, but few owners will go to the trouble or expense.
—Joshua Stein, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
There are some mitigating circumstances, including the exit of Slot’s predecessor, Jurgen Klopp, in May.
—Gregg Evans, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
Despite questionable circumstances, Ma is pressured into a plea deal that results in a harsh sentence.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024
Gary starts the film as a meek, somewhat nerdy college professor, but circumstances quickly force him into the uncomfortable position of becoming an undercover police informant.
—Ars Technica, 23 Dec. 2024
Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.
—Amy Wagner and Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 11 Dec. 2024
The background explanation is all well and good but irrelevant because the Sony hack isn’t your ordinary circumstances.
—Andrew Wallenstein, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024
Sherlea Dony, Sun Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
Multilateral organizations may also need clear protocols outlining who can access confidential materials, under what circumstances, and for how long.
—Allison Carnegie, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024
The owner does have the theoretical option to try to convince a court that building expenses or other circumstances justify a higher rent increase, but few owners will go to the trouble or expense.
—Joshua Stein, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
There are some mitigating circumstances, including the exit of Slot’s predecessor, Jurgen Klopp, in May.
—Gregg Evans, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
Despite questionable circumstances, Ma is pressured into a plea deal that results in a harsh sentence.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024
Gary starts the film as a meek, somewhat nerdy college professor, but circumstances quickly force him into the uncomfortable position of becoming an undercover police informant.
—Ars Technica, 23 Dec. 2024
Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.
—Amy Wagner and Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 11 Dec. 2024
The background explanation is all well and good but irrelevant because the Sony hack isn’t your ordinary circumstances.
—Andrew Wallenstein, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstances
Noun
-
The challenge has always been to figure out how to personalize things without spending inordinate amounts of time and money mapping out every possible path a student might take.—
Ray Ravaglia,
Forbes,
28 Dec. 2024
-
As a business owner, higher profit margins, all other things being equal, are more valuable.—
Bill Stone,
Forbes,
28 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
If your hire already delivers small wins or influences team flow, that’s not luck.—
Jason Walker PsyD,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
Proceeding on the movie hinged on a stroke of luck.—
Anne Thompson,
IndieWire,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
Cena won his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania 21 against JBL and followed it with victories over Triple H and Shawn Michaels in consecutive WrestleMania main events.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Speaking at Deadline's Contenders TV in April, the showrunner confirmed that season 2 will take place 10 months after the events of season 1.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Designate a Safe Cutting Space – Set up a dedicated area for scissor use, free from distractions, to minimize the risk of accidents.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Over the years, this aircraft has had more than 21 major accidents and over 64 personnel killed and 93 injured.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Filming reunion episodes for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is no easy feat, according to Kathy Hilton.—
Nicholas Rice,
People.com,
15 Mar. 2025
-
James Hawes is directing the first two episodes and also exec producing.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Programming more responsibly and preventing occurrences of triggering gender dysphoria, isolation and the experiences of not being considered on shows is a first step in shifting the culture of toxic treatment of LGBTQ people in reality TV.—
Etan Vlessing,
The Hollywood Reporter,
12 Mar. 2025
-
Mara, 42, plays Sam Walker, the titular astronaut who, upon returning home from her first space mission, starts witnessing otherworldly occurrences while staying under NASA's care at a remote, high-security safe house.—
Benjamin VanHoose,
People.com,
6 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Circumstances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstances. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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