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 Maybe a gentle nudge was all America needed to shift its food environment for the better. Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 1 Sep. 2025 Part of seeking a harmonious environment involves recognizing when the environment is not ready or willing to be harmonious. R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 1 Sep. 2025 Experts in the field of native plants and sustainability will teach participants how to create garden spaces that are good for the environment and that attract butterflies and other pollinators and insects. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025 And how will the Jayhawks respond to the boisterous environment in Columbia? Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for environment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for environment
Noun
  • The atmosphere was celebratory, with Kirk tossing hats into the crowd before diving into questions.
    Amanda Castro Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This breathtaking image from James Sinclair gives us a detailed view of a section of the sun's atmosphere known as the chromosphere — a chaotic region where hydrogen and helium plasma is molded and reshaped by our star's ever-shifting magnetic field.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • From ethics in our government offices, to reproductive health care, to the climate crisis and beyond, ProPublica remains on the front lines of the stories that matter most.
    Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Speaking at an Africa climate summit, Ruto said climate inaction was costing tens of thousands of lives, compounding development challenges for the world’s poorest nations after massive international aid cuts.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Much of the focus since the Premier League’s newest venue opened last month has understandably been on its space-age design, and how this temple of glass and steel near the mouth of the River Mersey looks so out of place with its surrounds.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Flying private can cost about the same, but the level of attention to service, amenities and surrounds is at a higher level, Ricci boasted.
    Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Fashion and sociology experts say that, when examining the significance of any bold fashion statement such as Robbie's, context plays an important role.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • For context, the nine sacks are the third-highest mark behind divisional foes the Buffalo Bills (14) and New England Patriots (13).
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Environment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/environment. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on environment

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