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
The allegations raised fresh questions about the circumstances of Navalny's 2024 death and about the origin of a highly unusual toxin.
—
Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 15 Feb. 2026
Common dreams about exes—and possible readings Each person’s dream about an ex is likely to have a meaning that’s entirely specific to them, involving both their feelings toward that ex and their life circumstances at the moment.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2026
In addition to serving as the traditional closer, Chapman was also occasionally used in the eighth inning when circumstances demanded it, something made possibly by Garrett Whitlock’s emergence as an elite late-inning weapon.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
Detectives from the Aurora Police Department’s Investigations Bureau responded to the scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, the release stated.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
Police did not immediately release additional details about the circumstances leading to the child’s injuries, but audio dispatches reviewed by The Sacramento Bee indicated the family had called 911 after the boy suffered a head injury.
—Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Plans must be made, but experts know circumstances will change.
—Alan Gionet, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
But, there are some circumstances that even the most compact and sturdy of varieties can’t seem to withstand.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Of those seven goals, three have been scored by Viktor Gyokeres, albeit in different circumstances.
—Art De Roché, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 15 Feb. 2026
Common dreams about exes—and possible readings Each person’s dream about an ex is likely to have a meaning that’s entirely specific to them, involving both their feelings toward that ex and their life circumstances at the moment.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2026
In addition to serving as the traditional closer, Chapman was also occasionally used in the eighth inning when circumstances demanded it, something made possibly by Garrett Whitlock’s emergence as an elite late-inning weapon.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
Detectives from the Aurora Police Department’s Investigations Bureau responded to the scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, the release stated.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
Police did not immediately release additional details about the circumstances leading to the child’s injuries, but audio dispatches reviewed by The Sacramento Bee indicated the family had called 911 after the boy suffered a head injury.
—Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Plans must be made, but experts know circumstances will change.
—Alan Gionet, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
But, there are some circumstances that even the most compact and sturdy of varieties can’t seem to withstand.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Of those seven goals, three have been scored by Viktor Gyokeres, albeit in different circumstances.
—Art De Roché, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstances
Noun
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Pawel’s view was that we are all born innocent, and things happen to people to shape their destinies.—
Sally Susman,
Time,
27 Jan. 2026
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Set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne and the last dragon has not yet passed from living memory, great destinies, powerful foes and dangerous exploits all await these improbable and incomparable friends.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In the past few months, however, things have changed.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
17 Feb. 2026
-
There’s something about studying real-life situations that have happened and then creating and imagining into this fictional kind of characterization of things.—
Leigh Nordstrom,
Footwear News,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Pregnancy was an offense punishable by death in the camps, yet all three women managed to survive horrific conditions, give birth and keep their newborns alive through seemingly impossible twists of fate and luck.—
Lesley Stahl,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
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As the pair walk towards the arena together, Dunk is greeted by several smallfolk who pat him on the back and wish him luck in the upcoming trial by combat.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Depending on how dark energy evolves, several other possible fates may be on the table.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
20 Feb. 2026
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Two contradictory bills met different fates on Tuesday at the Capitol in Pierre as South Dakota lawmakers continued to wrestle with the best way to provide tax relief.—
Makenzie Huber,
States Newsroom,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Scattered throughout the 1,300 acres are various artwork and sculptures, and in summer the park hosts concerts and events against the stunning mountain backdrop.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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During such events, the public is generally allowed to visit the Capitol and pay their respects.—
MATT BROWN,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But fans remain hopeful, especially as Team USA’s men’s hockey team — which has advanced to the knockout stage — prepares for a critical matchup today that could determine their medal chances.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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Research shows being tapped into a social network increases the chances that people do health-supportive behaviors, like go to the gym, eat a balanced diet, and steer clear of smoking and drug use—all of which can add up to a longer life.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Though the incidents led to some public calls for Cronin’s firing, the team rallied together and held multiple players only meetings ahead of the huge win Saturday.—
Sean Campbell,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
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Those efforts were sparked by a spate of incidents in which Europe's borders and airports have been tested by rogue drones.—
SAM McNEIL,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade program ranks facilities based on both federal records and voluntary hospital survey data about medical errors, injuries, accidents and onsite infection rates.—
Amber Gaudet
Updated February 20,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
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Homer Township Supervisor Sue Steilen said there have been numerous accidents, including fatalities, and said a traffic study should be completed before any business plan is approved.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Circumstances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstances. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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