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
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Recent Examples of circumstantial
The evidence against Duckett is circumstantial and not fully examined.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for circumstantial
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for circumstantial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstantial
Adjective
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The process starts with a detailed assessment, covering health needs, budget, location preferences, and lifestyle priorities.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
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The researchers carried out a detailed morphological analysis by creating 3D models of the skull and jaw.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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This all requires her to have a thorough understanding of the facts of the case, knowledge of relevant legal precedent, and a familiarity with potential counterarguments.—
Rogé Karma,
The Atlantic,
11 June 2026
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Developed over three decades, the Lanserhof Cure is the focal point of every stay and is designed for thorough regeneration of the gut and intestines.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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The low-wing, single-engine turboprop plane was not able to make it to full power, according to officials with the Bates County Emergency Management Agency.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
15 June 2026
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The theme song drops a full 13 minutes into the episode (love when that happens), and then the band continues to bombard Lestat with questions about vampire logic.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Circumstantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstantial. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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