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
Through his rigorious investigation into forensic medicine, Keel uncovers how medical examiners and death investigators can be complicit in obscuring the violent circumstances of in-custody deaths at state institutions.
—
Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Crystal did not mention the circumstances of their deaths in his Oscars tribute, instead choosing to focus on the impact the couple left in the worlds of filmmaking and social justice.
—Katie Kindelan, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
Whether traveling by car, plane or even internationally, unforeseen circumstances can throw a wrench into plans.
—Dr. Katherine Williamson, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026
The victim still has not been publicly identified and the circumstances surrounding their death remain unclear.
—Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026
In the 14th Senate District covering parts of Chicago’s South Side and south suburbs, incumbent Democrat Emil Jones III faces two primary challengers for the first time in his 17 years in office in the seat — and the circumstances are not hard to explain.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
The problem is that circumstances in the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office under Shari Freidenrich became serious enough that the Board felt compelled to intervene in the first place.
—Jodi Balma, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
With energy and focus from every player, the Lakers delivered one of their best defensive efforts of the season despite circumstances that could have made Sunday’s game a snoozer.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
But circumstances have changed.
—Bob Marshall, Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2026
Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Crystal did not mention the circumstances of their deaths in his Oscars tribute, instead choosing to focus on the impact the couple left in the worlds of filmmaking and social justice.
—Katie Kindelan, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
Whether traveling by car, plane or even internationally, unforeseen circumstances can throw a wrench into plans.
—Dr. Katherine Williamson, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026
The victim still has not been publicly identified and the circumstances surrounding their death remain unclear.
—Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026
In the 14th Senate District covering parts of Chicago’s South Side and south suburbs, incumbent Democrat Emil Jones III faces two primary challengers for the first time in his 17 years in office in the seat — and the circumstances are not hard to explain.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
The problem is that circumstances in the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office under Shari Freidenrich became serious enough that the Board felt compelled to intervene in the first place.
—Jodi Balma, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
With energy and focus from every player, the Lakers delivered one of their best defensive efforts of the season despite circumstances that could have made Sunday’s game a snoozer.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
But circumstances have changed.
—Bob Marshall, Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstances
Noun
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In this way, the film becomes a manifesto for alternate destinies within the Black experience, and a semi-formal goodbye letter to the delusional but politically expedient optimism of the 2010s, wherein the end of the neoliberal order becomes a gateway to renewed self-possession and agency.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
-
That’s the hope of the United States and Israel, which have urged the Iranian people to take hold of their destinies following the war.—
Ron Kampeas,
Sun Sentinel,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That changes things up for Diabate.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Share credit, set boundaries around your time and money, and keep things grounded with an open list of your goals.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Whoever ends the game with their egg intact is said to have luck for the year.—
Anna Halkidis,
Parents,
16 Mar. 2026
-
A little timing and luck will be required, too, as interest rate rises here could become more common if existing market conditions don't quickly improve.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Trump’s use of a global trade war to alienate friends and abuse neighbors, and his spats with allies over the fates of Greenland and Ukraine, seem to have left room for Xi to grow his power.—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Last year, at least 1,500 people were reported missing whose fates IOM could not confirm, said Julia Black, who leads the organization's Missing Migrants Project.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This heat wave is so extreme that it would only be expected to occur once about every 500 years in the current climate, according to World Weather Attribution, a group of scientists who study links between extreme weather events and climate change.—
Mira Rojanasakul,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The issue has not been detailed, but such events are expected during early-stage testing of experimental aircraft.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Except for the advantage of skill or luck, the risks of losing and the chances of winning were the same for all participants.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Your 7th House of Devotion lights up as the emotional Moon enters Aries, bringing chances to clarify expectations with someone important in your life.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The sheriff said the child's father later confronted Duggar about the incidents on March 17 and the reality TV alum admitted to his actions to law enforcement in Tontitown and local police arrested Duggar soon after.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
21 Mar. 2026
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The union alleged in the statement members have documented multiple incidents since 2022, including retaliation, terminations and denial to translate disciplinary hearings.—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But the organization is retaining its wider prohibition against receiving transfusions of others' blood -- a procedure routinely used with patients after accidents, violence or other blood loss.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Those monthslong rallies were marked by a festive atmosphere and a striking blend of politics and pop culture, with protesters singing and waving colorful K-pop light sticks, and ended without major safety accidents.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Circumstances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstances. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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