Synonyms of environment

environment

noun

in-ˈvī-rə(n)-mənt 

as in surroundings

the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded

the joys of growing up in the environment that a small town offers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• surroundings
• atmosphere
• environs
• climate
• surround
• context
• terrain
• setting
• space
• milieu
• ambient
• location
• clime
• place
• situation
• medium
• backdrop
• contexture
• element
• mise-en-scène
• background
• habitat
• position
• status
• geography
• microenvironment

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

Recent Examples of environment

Having doubled in strength in less than a day, Erick churned through an ideal environment for quick intensification. —Arkansas Online, 21 June 2025

The filmmaker says the new doc captures the tough environment surrounding the adaptation of Peter Benchley’s novel. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025

This legislative environment is exacerbated by a political landscape in which far-right politicians, supported by Catholic and Evangelical voters who make up a majority in the country, regularly seek to further restrict the limited provisions within the country’s penal code. —Eléonore Hughes, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025

The incident, which comes amid a heightened environment of political violence, occurred Thursday morning in Rocky River, Ohio. —Jon Haworth, ABC News, 20 June 2025