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 Bill Kearney covers the environment, the outdoors and tropical weather. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2025 Plants tolerate heavy pruning to suit your needs and perform well in hot, humid environments, including coastal climates. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 May 2025 Whether getting to know people up close in their own environments or having other up-close experiences, people learn empathy and gain knowledge. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 2 May 2025 Interestingly, different populations of the same species can have stronger or weaker dormancies that dovetail with their needs in different environments, Brandt says. Katarina Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for environment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for environment
Noun
  • When our planet interacts with that rubble river, those comet bits race through Earth's atmosphere at high speeds: 41 miles (66 km) per second, to produce the shooting star effect.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 1 May 2025
  • Even the ultra-competitive summer atmosphere on the island of Santorini—a 40-minute ferry from Ios—mellows at this time of year.
    Lee Cobaj, Robb Report, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • There was Cyrenaica, in eastern Libya, which was pitched as woodsy and lovely with an excellent climate, but turned out to suffer from perpetual drought.
    Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The parade of extreme power and wealth in this dire global climate of recent years is usually the knife in my spine, but this year’s theme ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ gently twists it, quietly extracting the rebellious roots of the Black dandy for mainstream consumption.
    Akilah Sailers, Essence, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • What's wrong is kind of the surrounds of the thing.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Befitting of The Cove’s wellness vibes, lunch at Hideaway to nosh on healthy dishes, smoothies and juices while soaking up the serene surrounds.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This story has been updated with additional information and context.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • Most people spend decades getting to know themselves in the context of work, parenting, and day-to-day responsibilities.
    Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Environment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/environment. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on environment

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