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
  • The study authors then fed this information into a detailed three-dimensional computer model designed to simulate the sun’s internal magnetic machinery.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026
  • As detailed above, Benfica were off the pace in the league, out of the two Portuguese cups and seemingly heading out of Europe — all with a squad filled with questionable recruits, creaking veterans and unproven kids.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Breece said her office takes on complex cases, and the investigations are intended to be thorough, not quick.
    Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Courts have confirmed that Puerto Rico’s medical licensing system is just as thorough and comprehensive as the USMLE.
    José Sosa-Palacios, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Other artists gets political Billie Eilish also spoke out against ICE on stage at the Grammys, but viewers at home did not hear the full extent of her comments.
    Sandra Gonzalez, CNN Money, 2 Feb. 2026
  • The Clintons could face a similar outcome, as the House rules measure is expected to pass and it will then be brought to the full chamber for a vote.
    Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 2 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Circumstantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstantial. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on circumstantial

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