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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Being able to provide a more detailed origin on the label gives the producer a story to tell and lends the wine greater exclusivity.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
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See below for a more detailed methodology.—
Ashley Mowreader,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
Adjective
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Give geraniums in garden soil a thorough, slow watering with a watering can or a rain wand on a hose.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 June 2026
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Experts warn that patients should still have in-depth talks with their doctors about whether testosterone therapy could be helpful for them, and doctors should complete thorough evaluations.—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
The surest way to move the fastest, have the greatest impact and capture the most value is to vertically integrate and execute on the full value chain end-to-end.—
Rob Toews,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2026
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For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Circumstantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstantial. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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