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
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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
Under normal circumstances, he could be trusted to keep the Ravens afloat.
—
Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
In these circumstances, pragmatism has merit.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Do not wake me up under any circumstances.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
My research has taught me that Florida’s springs vary based on location and local circumstances.
—Christopher F. Meindl, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
An investigation is underway into the incident, and investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fight, according to the sheriff’s office.
—Jason Green, Mercury News, 27 Sep. 2025
The researchers wanted to examine the circumstances surrounding those episodes to identify solutions for preventing such deaths, said Chaudhary, who is also an assistant professor in pediatrics and emergency medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
The circumstances of the call were unknown.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025
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
Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
In these circumstances, pragmatism has merit.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Do not wake me up under any circumstances.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
My research has taught me that Florida’s springs vary based on location and local circumstances.
—Christopher F. Meindl, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
An investigation is underway into the incident, and investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fight, according to the sheriff’s office.
—Jason Green, Mercury News, 27 Sep. 2025
The researchers wanted to examine the circumstances surrounding those episodes to identify solutions for preventing such deaths, said Chaudhary, who is also an assistant professor in pediatrics and emergency medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
The circumstances of the call were unknown.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstances
Noun
-
Van Kaizen’s model is demanding and best suited for those with an entrepreneurial streak who want to control their own destinies.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Time may be running out for Lorenz Hart, but other great artistic destinies are still being written.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Kershaw may be in slightly new surroundings, but some things don’t change.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
4 Oct. 2025
-
For more on the Dallas Cowboys and all things NFL, head over to Newsweek Sports.—
Reice Shipley,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Hopefully, the 2026 WNBA season will consist of much better luck.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Meanwhile, Chicago hitters hadn’t had much luck against San Diego starter Nick Pivetta’s high fastball, with just one hit and six strikeouts through four innings.—
Jon Greenberg,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Regardless of their fates, the actors who portrayed them — including breakout stars Alexander Skarsgård and Joe Manganiello — have stayed with us.—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Their fates become entangled with Janszoon’s as his pirate empire faces threats from rivals and his own family.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In celebration of the new store, Primark is planning to host a series of events throughout opening weekend.—
Gabrielle Chenault,
Nashville Tennessean,
6 Oct. 2025
-
According to research by Groundwork USA, a national network of environmental nonprofits, the amount of rainfall during intense precipitation events in the Midwest has increased by 42% since 1956.—
Tamia Fowlkes,
jsonline.com,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
To be sure, more frequent exams can increase the chances of false positives—a stressful experience that sometimes deters future screenings.—
Jennie Durant,
Glamour,
1 Oct. 2025
-
However, a lingering injury kept him out for the next game, effectively ending any chances of him winning the backup job.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Multiple incidents involving interference allegations and other voting issues were reported in the weeks leading up to the 2024 presidential election, including voter registration ballots being damaged and ballot collection boxes being set on fire.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
-
There’s plenty of risk with Porter, as his early career was mired with offseason incidents that eventually led him to playing in Greece during the 2024 season.—
Stan Son,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Both Liland and McGonigal hired Herman after being injured in car accidents.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
2 Oct. 2025
-
That’s according to an independent analysis of crash reports the company has disclosed to the government, which found that most of the 45 serious accidents involving Waymos were the fault of other motorists or seemingly an act of God.—
Saahil Desai,
The Atlantic,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Circumstances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstances. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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