Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective circumstantial differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of circumstantial are detailed, minute, and particular. While all these words mean "dealing with a matter fully and usually point by point," circumstantial implies fullness of detail that fixes something described in time and space.

a circumstantial account of our visit

When could detailed be used to replace circumstantial?

The meanings of detailed and circumstantial largely overlap; however, detailed stresses abundance or completeness of detail.

a detailed analysis of the event

When is minute a more appropriate choice than circumstantial?

In some situations, the words minute and circumstantial are roughly equivalent. However, minute implies close and searching attention to the smallest details.

a minute examination of a fossil

When can particular be used instead of circumstantial?

The synonyms particular and circumstantial are sometimes interchangeable, but particular implies a precise attention to every detail.

a particular description of the scene of the crime

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 Despite Veiel's best efforts, any criminal evidence against Leni Riefenstahl remains tantalizingly circumstantial, even if the circumstances themselves were indisputably criminal. Daniel Jonah Wolpert, NPR, 8 Sep. 2025 However, despite the appeal of this coevolution hypothesis, the evidence remains largely circumstantial. Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 7 Sep. 2025 And a lot of that stuff is circumstantial, is based on circumstances. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 5 Sep. 2025 Gudsen weaves stories, reframes evidence, accuses Michelle of bias, and dismisses the glove bearing his DNA as circumstantial. Jp Mangalindan, Time, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumstantial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstantial
Adjective
  • While other accounts had described Desai’s role, Doshi’s research painted a far more detailed picture.
    Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The Tennessean requested additional records to learn how many of those students are enrolled at each school, along with more detailed demographic information on the students.
    Rachel Wegner, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025
  • This study, which was published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine, was the most thorough deep dive into the biology of supercentenarians (people over 110 years), according to Esteller.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As of Tuesday evening, the fire crew has achieved full containment of the blaze.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Use it in Laptop Mode for productivity with a full keyboard and trackpad, switch to Studio Mode for drawing and design with the Surface Pen (not included), or detach the screen to enter Tablet Mode for browsing, streaming, and entertainment.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Circumstantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstantial. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on circumstantial

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