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 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 See All Example Sentences for environment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for environment
Noun
  • All planets with atmospheres in the Solar System experience auroras, created by the interaction of magnetic fields with high-energy particles from the sun.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • At February’s European Film Market, Spanish companies reported an upbeat atmosphere despite the absence of major competition titles.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • This climate report is funded by MSC Cruises USA and the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Family Foundation in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
  • Shade-Loving Flowering Shrubs Hydrangeas and azaleas need consistent moisture and protection from afternoon sun when grown in hot climates.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Set on pristine white sand, the resort is an angular sandcastle of clean lines, coral surfaces, and glittering private pools that mirror the island’s milky blue surrounds.
    Elspeth Velten, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Otherwise, this is the bargain buy for those after knock-out surround in an all-in-one package.
    Ryan Waniata, Wired News, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This is a common early move for startups and works just as well in a family office context.
    Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • For context, about 230,000 Minnesotans are enrolled in Medicaid, and over 440,000 people are enrolled in SNAP benefits.
    Rod Adams, Essence, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Environment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/environment. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on environment

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