Definition of circumstantialnext

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 The evidence in the case was mostly circumstantial. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025 The government's case is weak and circumstantial. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025 The government’s case is weak and circumstantial. Ian Thomas, CNBC, 9 Nov. 2025 Some of that is game circumstantial; the Panthers falling behind by a lot early generally prompts that. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumstantial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstantial
Adjective
  • Pearson knew about Debe's hair appointment and gave detectives a detailed description of many items inside her car.
    Sarah Prior, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
  • The best way to deal with this is to be as detailed and lengthy as needed.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Minnesota state investigators would need to be able to conduct a thorough investigation to move forward with potential state charges against the unnamed ICE agent who fatally shot Good, according to Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Bath toys deserve a thorough cleaning at least monthly to remove body soil and soap scum that can invite mold and mildew to form.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The governor is expected to touch on some budget priorities in his speech, which will come Thursday, one day before state financial officials publish his full spending plan on Friday.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
  • From long-haul flights to full days on your feet, ballerina sneakers deliver.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Circumstantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstantial. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on circumstantial

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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