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
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There is also another important piece of circumstantial evidence from the broadcasts themselves. Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026 Other lines of circumstantial evidence also suggest shockingly large objects roamed the early epochs of our solar system. Jenna Ahart, Scientific American, 9 June 2026 Constructive knowledge relies heavily on circumstantial evidence. Miami Herald, 12 May 2026 Material and circumstantial evidence was also studied. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 1 May 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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Cite this Entry

“Circumstantial evidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumstantial%20evidence. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

Legal Definition

circumstantial evidence

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