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Definition of circumstancenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word circumstance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of circumstance are episode, event, incident, and occurrence. While all these words mean "something that happens or takes place," circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

When could episode be used to replace circumstance?

The words episode and circumstance can be used in similar contexts, but episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

When might event be a better fit than circumstance?

The meanings of event and circumstance largely overlap; however, event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

When can incident be used instead of circumstance?

While the synonyms incident and circumstance are close in meaning, incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

When would occurrence be a good substitute for circumstance?

Although the words occurrence and circumstance have much in common, occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.

an encounter that was a chance occurrence

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 circumstance The circumstances surrounding Monday’s ICE communication remain opaque, in part because Austin police have not provided further details despite numerous Statesman inquiries on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to the department and its top spokesperson. Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026 Officers also are prohibited from firing their weapons at people who pose only a threat to themselves, and cannot fire from a moving vehicle, unless in urgent circumstances. Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register, 10 Jan. 2026 Many drivers forget to update their policy, however, leaving them with coverage that no longer fits their present circumstances. Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026 That history only makes the current circumstances all the more fascinating. The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for circumstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstance
Noun
  • Maybe Buffalo is a team of destiny, but this feels like an ambush in waiting.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Like many great genres, cumbia rebajada was born from the collision of accident and destiny.
    Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The recognition places Atlas among the most notable technology debuts at the annual consumer electronics event, concluding on Friday, and signals growing confidence in humanoid robots moving from demos to real industrial work.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026
  • From comfort food classics to more elevated plates, several bites stood out at a preview event.
    Alexa Stone January 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The next night, though, reporting from his hometown brought Dokoupil luck.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
  • With any luck, 2026 could be the year of the hobby.
    Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Discussion over the fate of Medicaid expansion dominated the 2025 session.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Then there’s litigation and regulation that could drive the payout even higher — or lower — depending on fate of lawsuits and the red tape-making before state agencies that are drafting administrative rules.
    Pat Maio, Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • And since going downstream didn’t seem feasible, the best thing was to go upstream.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Going just 6 for 15 in the first two quarters, Maye was still able to make things happen in open two quarters with five runs for 55 yards.
    Matt Schooley, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Michigan added 17 second-chance points, got 44 points off the bench and scored 30 off fast breaks to exceed 100 points for the fifth time this season.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Still, the Hurricanes one win from restoring new glory days and with a title chance in their own stadium — that’s more than a Miami story, too.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Following the tragic incident, a family friend, Ella Mackrell, launched a GoFundMe to help bring the teen’s body home, as well as cover expenses related to travel, lodging and the funeral.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The church released a statement about the incident on Wednesday night.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In 1998, Bono died at the age of 62 in a skiing accident in Lake Tahoe, California.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Police arrived shortly after the accident to take reports and facilitate an exchange of insurance and contact information.
    Gavin J. Quinton, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Circumstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstance. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on circumstance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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