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 Ana’s body was never found, which made the international murder case a challenge for FBI agents and prosecutors who had built a largely circumstantial body of evidence against Knezevich. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2025 Lower-maintenance color treatments such as a face-framing highlight or partial highlight are on the lower end of pricing, says Casanova, but pricing can still be circumstantial. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025 His team set out to prove a circumstantial case that the killings were united by a common scheme and plan. Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024 Those with homicidal tendencies also possess a remarkable inclination to confess all when confronted with evidence so circumstantial it would be laughed out of court. Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumstantial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstantial
Adjective
  • But the attempt to throw a lifeline to the fossil fuel industry could be too little, too late, as detailed in this New Yorker article by Bill McKibben.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 11 July 2025
  • Here is a detailed outlook for when the Bills return for training camp in late July.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • This requires clear expectations, thorough documentation, and measuring success by deliverables rather than desk time.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
  • Godsey said the state budget is no place for changes like this, which need thorough review and vetting.
    Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • The kitchen and community table, where breakfast is served, is available for guests to use at their leisure with full access to the fridge, microwave, and coffee maker.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • Free agency hasn’t formally started yet, but the Miami Heat’s roster is already almost full.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Circumstantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstantial. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on circumstantial

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!