Synonym Chooser

How is the word environment distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of environment are background, milieu, mise-en-scène, and setting. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development.

the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents

When is it sensible to use background instead of environment?

The meanings of background and environment largely overlap; however, background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development.

the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots

When is milieu a more appropriate choice than environment?

In some situations, the words milieu and environment are roughly equivalent. However, milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

When might mise-en-scène be a better fit than environment?

While in some cases nearly identical to environment, mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect.

a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

When could setting be used to replace environment?

While the synonyms setting and environment are close in meaning, setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

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 environment Her adeptness in navigating complex transactions equips businesses with comprehensive legal solutions, enabling them to excel in a multifaceted regulatory environment. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025 This includes acquisition of new software licenses and/or cloud expenses, hardware purchases (compute, storage), early termination costs related to the existing virtual environment, application testing/quality assurance, and test equipment. Ars Technica, 27 Jan. 2025 Since the 2018 settlement, scientific knowledge of the impacts of PFAS on human health and the environment have been growing, Doneen said. Kirsti Marohn, Twin Cities, 27 Jan. 2025 McDonald's and Meta, among other companies, have cited the legal environment as the basis for DEI policy changes. Carrie Shepherd, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for environment 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for environment
Noun
  • The film captures the atmosphere of Iran in the 1980s and ’90s remarkably well for having been shot in Italy and directed by an Israeli who has never set foot in the country.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Its woodsy accents and cozy atmosphere are sure to draw you in.
    Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Wildfires are fueled by many factors but scientists say the climate crisis is loading the dice in favor of more frequent, intense fires and longer fire seasons.
    Laura Paddison, CNN, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Le cautions against reusing plastic bags that have spent a considerable amount of time in a hot climate, such as a car.
    Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • So Hilferding was quite observant about that and talked about the psychological surround of the mother, but also the physicality of, um, the act of birthing.
    Marcy Thompson, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Not to mention that several reported on-road issues, as well as faced uncertainty surround regulations and liabilities.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Those are questions increasingly posed over the past two years, changing the meaning of diversity in the context of judicial nominations.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 25 Jan. 2025
  • In this context, the work within the Jewish community is equally vital.
    Rabbi Kenneth Brander, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near environment

Cite this Entry

“Environment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/environment. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on environment

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