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 This blending of politics, entertainment and personal identity reflects a hybrid media environment in which symbols drawn from fandom gain power. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025 And the number of antigens in those vaccines is just a fraction of the number kids are exposed to every day just from their environments. ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025 Sophie Hartley is an IndyStar environment reporter. Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 24 Sep. 2025 Planet Fitness, the mega fitness center company that’s built its name on creating a welcoming gym environment for all fitness levels, opened in early September at 5013 Mud Lane. Matthew Glowicki, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for environment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for environment
Noun
  • The tiny home park (that also offers Airstreams for rent) provides quaint and private accommodations for guests with a communal camp atmosphere.
    Nora Heston Tarte, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Generated when biomass, such as crop residues, wood, or other organic matter, is heated to produce clean energy, bio-tar can clog pipelines, corrode equipment, and release harmful compounds into the atmosphere if not managed carefully.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The commitment comes weeks before COP30 climate negotiations in Brazil.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
  • During the suspension, Fallon, host of NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, commented publicly on the turbulent climate for late-night hosts.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The appearance of the shower is minimal, thanks to a frameless glass surround.
    Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Grosvenor over a career spanning six decades created art that investigated the spatial relationship between the viewer, the work, and its surrounds.
    News Desk, Artforum, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For context he’s been in this profession for 23 years and is 46 [years] old.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
  • This story has been updated with additional context.
    Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Environment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/environment. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on environment

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