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 Advocacy groups advise evaluating individual circumstances, as some may benefit from switching now, while others might wait. Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 But winning two of three games over the weekend — in front of three sellout crowds, and under these circumstances — showed resiliency and determination. Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 29 June 2026 Rochester is reshaped by circumstance; Heathcliff is consumed by it. Literary Hub, 29 June 2026 Under such circumstances, Americans may begin to ask different questions. Steven Delco, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for circumstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstance
Noun
  • Deciding that destiny is at hand, TATA summons guardian robot VAN to prepare for an interstellar journey to Earth.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • The destiny of the city on the hill before all eyes—that was uncertain.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Greenwood is leading a series of high-profile events to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
    Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Fans from around the world attended the event, with many saying this World Cup has felt different.
    Anna McAllister, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • The group of death in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers wasn’t enough, because in Egypt’s next attempt to reach the finals in 2006, their luck put them in a group with Didier Drogba’s Ivory Coast and Samuel Eto’o’s Cameroon.
    Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • In retrospect, the result looks less like luck than like a compounding advantage.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Diaz said the fate of the next 250 years for the United States is dependent on how adults prepare the next generation to take on the mantle.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The deal brings to a close a legal battle that dragged in the courts over several years between Yale New Haven Health and Prospect Medical Holdings concerning the fate of Prospect’s three Connecticut hospitals.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • This was most obvious during Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour, when brands capitalized on all things Taylor — friendship bracelets, themed drinks and even concert outfits.
    Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Eliminating that gap is one of the hardest things an organization can do.
    Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • For the best chance of seeing them, move away from city lights, lie flat on your back and look toward the southern sky near the Aquarius constellation, NASA says.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Now’s your chance to grab a closet’s worth of sleek, sculpting essentials, like the SpanxShape Booty Boost leggings for $44 off, and the SpanxSmooth Jersey Crewneck T-Shirt for $30 off.
    Olivia Dubyak, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • The incident, which authorities are investigating, occurred 30 nautical miles (around 55 kilometers) southwest of Yemen’s Red Sea port of Al Hudaydah, UKMTO said.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • The incident occurred following Angel City FC's 2-0 win over the Orlando Pride on Friday evening, July 3, according to an Angel City FC spokesperson and multiple videos of the incident shared on social media by event attendees.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Derived from a Central African shrub, the drug's ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings were uncovered by accident, when Howard Lotsof, a 19-year old addicted to heroin, tried ibogaine out of curiosity in 1962.
    Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Since 2023, state regulators have issued 6,928 citations, including 140 for abuse and neglect by staff, 254 for accident hazards, and 257 for failing to control infections, according to state records.
    Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 5 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Circumstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstance. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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