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 However, the evidence was largely circumstantial as critics pointed to several alternative explanations. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for circumstantial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstantial
Adjective
  • The collection includes 3,100 black-and-white images taken in nearly 300 villages, towns, and cities around the country as well as the negatives and detailed data sheets describing construction techniques, materials, and historical context for each building.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Leafs coach Craig Berube did not provide a detailed update on Nylander’s possible injury.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 25 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, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Fowler and Zietlow also renew the Chuba Hubbard-Rico Dowdle debate and give a thorough preview of Carolina’s Week 8 matchup with the Buffalo Bills.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Cha See’s lighting design bathes the set in the warm golden hue of the past and costume designer Qween Jean and hair and wig designer Nikiya Mathis team up to bring the ‘70s back in full living color with bold prints, bouffants, and miniskirts.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The Department of Agriculture currently covers the benefit costs in full.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Circumstantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstantial. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on circumstantial

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