circumstantial evidence

noun

: evidence that tends to prove a fact by proving other events or circumstances which afford a basis for a reasonable inference of the occurrence of the fact at issue

Examples of circumstantial evidence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Prosecutors have been presenting circumstantial evidence during the trial to connect the dots to Stanko. —

Erika Stanish, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026 Still, White’s explanation is the most persuasive, and is further supported by other circumstantial evidence, including a recent decision by the Securities and Exchange Commission to lift limits on trading Bitcoin options. —

Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026 There was substantial circumstantial evidence, so Rivers was detained nearby the university for further questioning. —

Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026 In the absence of forensic and circumstantial evidence, prosecutors relied on an alleged confession that Walker made, according to the group. —

Deena Zaru, ABC News, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for circumstantial evidence

Word History

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of circumstantial evidence was in 1679

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Browse Nearby Words

circumstantial

circumstantial evidence

circumstantially

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Circumstantial evidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumstantial%20evidence. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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