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 outcome leaves pressing questions for authorities and loved ones regarding the circumstances that led to Gratton's death and the need for closure in such cases. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025 Style-wise, both circumstances required very conservative looks, and that setting muted her own expression. Emiene Wright, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2025 Add to that, no matter the true circumstances of Epstein’s death — which former conspiracy-theory advocate and now-Deputy FBJ Director Dan Bongino recently poured cold water on — releasing the Epstein files has been a major demand of MAGA influencers and pundits. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 6 June 2025 Detectives also continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the investigative stop preceding the encounter. Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstance
Noun
  • There was a false start or two, but the big, bad beast of a bus has finally completed its destiny.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 June 2025
  • His message was clear — Nvidia is the company that can help Europe build its artificial intelligence infrastructure so the region can take control of its own destiny with the transformative technology.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • In the final days leading up to the event, the White House made an unusual request.
    Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 14 June 2025
  • First-year senior Gabrielle Hardie delivered a nearly error-free effort across her three events on Friday.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • In terms of gubernatorial contests, the GOP has better luck in recent memory with Republican Chris Christie prevailing in the 2010 and 2014 elections.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 June 2025
  • Parsing the luck from the situational skill can be tricky.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • Fallout from President Trump’s break with Elon Musk is roiling a Republican Party that was already divided over the fate of the president’s landmark legislation.
    Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
  • Once those clips went viral, the 27-year-old’s fate was apparently sealed.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Real Madrid is closing in on Argentina’s next big thing As reported by various outlets, Real Madrid is closing in on Mastantuono after sending a delegation to Buenos Aires last week.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Sick to death of being poor, Lucy ended things with John.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm: To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2025
  • As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, businesses must pivot to advanced technologies to stand a chance.
    Dor Eisner, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • The incident's central command constantly receives progress reports from firefighters on the ground.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2025
  • Footage from the incident shows a circle of dozens of people, many wearing masks, surrounding an American flag burning on the ground.
    Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • It has not been involved in major accidents before now, and is a workhorse of long-haul flights.
    Diaa Hadid, NPR, 13 June 2025
  • Finally, there’s a road-naming bill (HB 987) that would honor many deserving Floridians, such as the three Palm Beach County motorcycle deputies who died in an accident last November.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Circumstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstance. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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