as in detailed
including many small descriptive features
the circumstantial account of his surgery told us more than we really wanted to know about the stomach
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 circumstantial
In the decades since his conviction and death sentence, almost every pillar of the circumstantial case against him has crumbled.
—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
Unlike direct evidence, such as eyewitnesses or recordings of a crime, circumstantial cases require jurors to determine a defendant’s guilt by weaving together indirect evidence.
—Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 18 Mar. 2026
During closing arguments last week, prosecutors acknowledged the evidence presented in the case was circumstantial.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
My evidence was circumstantial at best—very dark hair, a certain visual intensity, and, admittedly, intuition doing most of the heavy lifting.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for circumstantial
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
Unlike direct evidence, such as eyewitnesses or recordings of a crime, circumstantial cases require jurors to determine a defendant’s guilt by weaving together indirect evidence.
—Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 18 Mar. 2026
During closing arguments last week, prosecutors acknowledged the evidence presented in the case was circumstantial.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
My evidence was circumstantial at best—very dark hair, a certain visual intensity, and, admittedly, intuition doing most of the heavy lifting.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for circumstantial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstantial
Adjective
-
Questions remain about parade security planning Kansas City Police officials have not publicly provided a detailed explanation of how the 2024 Chiefs Super Bowl rally shooting unfolded despite a large law enforcement presence.—
Ben Wheeler
May 30,
Kansas City Star,
30 May 2026
-
The mission’s detailed investigation of Europa will help scientists better understand the astrobiological potential for habitable worlds beyond our planet.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
At speeds unimaginable even a year ago, AI supplies investors with a confident, seemingly thorough and impressively well informed analysis.—
Anna Demeo,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
The Orioles said in a statement that the fan was identified and removed from the ballpark while the club conducts a thorough investigation, which makes sense.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
Although an overwater mansion may be a more apt description—there’s a full kitchen, private beach set up, private gym, and three separate massage rooms.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
-
On a trip from the city of Isfahan to his grandfather’s farm, the young narrator and his parents stop to see family friends, Abbas, and Saba, whose home is full of love and storytelling.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Circumstantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstantial. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
