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
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
Singh countered that the documents were necessary to show the students’ intent and provided circumstantial evidence of their motivations.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 10 Jan. 2026
Despite a body not being found, a magistrate previously ruled that there was enough circumstantial evidence for Waden to stand trial, the NewsWire copy stated.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025
The department claimed that circumstantial evidence, including her cell phone found under Leeds' car, proved that Townsend committed the crime.
—Hunter Sowards, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for circumstantial evidence
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.
Deena Zaru, ABC News, 22 Jan. 2026
Singh countered that the documents were necessary to show the students’ intent and provided circumstantial evidence of their motivations.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 10 Jan. 2026
Despite a body not being found, a magistrate previously ruled that there was enough circumstantial evidence for Waden to stand trial, the NewsWire copy stated.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025
The department claimed that circumstantial evidence, including her cell phone found under Leeds' car, proved that Townsend committed the crime.
—Hunter Sowards, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for circumstantial evidence
Cite this Entry
“Circumstantial evidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumstantial%20evidence. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
