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 Associated Press learned the identities of four of the men - and pieced together details about at least five others - who were slain, providing the first detailed account of those who died in the strikes.
    NPR, NPR, 8 Nov. 2025
  • His views of their unconventional garments are painterly and romantic—expressionist evocations rather than detailed transcriptions of the clothes.
    Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Before any surgery, patients undergo thorough medical and psychological evaluations to ensure readiness, both physically and emotionally.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority police are conducting a thorough investigation with the assistance of multiple law enforcement partners.
    Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Take a gander through a museum full of vintage Christmas decor for a nostalgic look back at how the holiday was celebrated throughout the years.
    Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025
  • In it, the woman is wearing the then-modern attire of Viennese society, donning a white-and-blue dress and robe; the background, meanwhile, is full of East Asian motifs, representing Klimt’s fondness of Chinese and Japanese artifacts.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Circumstantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstantial. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on circumstantial

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