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

Future policy updates could be positive or negative for the business environment, but uncertainty stemming from all the changes could create reluctance and weigh against willingness to invest in orders. —Sj Guest Editorial, Sourcing Journal, 16 May 2025

Rachel Smith, co-organizer of the convention and co-founder of Mermaid and Mom, a mermaid party entertainment business, said the California Mermaid Convention brings together water enthusiasts who care for the environment and love dressing up. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2025

He’s been an unspectacular but solid NHL defenceman and appears to have some room left to grow in a different environment as a late bloomer. —Arpon Basu, New York Times, 16 May 2025

Bears typically live in more wilderness environments, and most bears in Missouri live south of Interstate 44, according to the Department of Conservation. —Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2025