circumstance

noun

ˈsər-kəm-ˌstan(t)s How to pronounce circumstance (audio)
Definition of circumstancenext
1
as in destiny
a state or end that seemingly has been decided beforehand the condemned murderer seemed indifferent to his circumstance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in event
something that happens due to unexpected circumstances, the test will be postponed

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in luck
the uncertain course of events I was a victim of circumstance, for nothing that I could have done would have made a difference

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Oster said the sentence justified the circumstances of the killing as well as the evidence presented during the trial. —Hailey Roden, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025 All of the final four couples were formed in the last couple of weeks and some even more recent due to circumstances out of their control. —Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 13 July 2025 She's obviously been through an amazing journey, a trauma, no doubt – a testimony to demonstrating her bravery in those circumstances... —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025 There is also a lack of clear guidance for clubs in these circumstances. —James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstance
  1. destiny
  2. event
  3. luck
  4. fate
  5. thing
  6. chance
  7. incident
  8. accident
Noun
  • With complete control of its destiny, the WSL has accelerated its growth, becoming one of the premier women’s leagues in the world, alongside the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the U.S. and Spain’s Liga F.
    — Vitas Carosella, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • This sense of destiny led Musk on October 5, 2024, to a Trump rally in western Pennsylvania.
    — Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025
Definition of destiny
Noun
  • Kicking off the events is the HaRUNbee 5K Run/Walk for Healthy Birth Outcomes on Saturday, Aug. 2.
    — La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The event was attended by Queen Elizabeth, Prince Harry and many members of the royal family.
    — Stephanie Petit, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of event
Noun
  • What proceeds, inexorably, is a pulpy concoction of greed, murder, misguided ambition, and dumb luck (good and bad).
    — Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Love and luck are in the air; use them to your advantage.
    — Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 30 July 2025
Definition of luck
Noun
  • Lawmakers have blown past the July 1 deadline to pass a budget for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1, creating uncertainty about the fate of state support for CVI.
    — Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
  • Is that going to be baby Franklin's fate in the MCU?
    — EW.com, EW.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of fate
Noun
  • Arizona's dynamic food and dining scene was recently in the national spotlight when Food Network released a list of the best things to eat in the state as part of their United Plates of America series.
    — Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
  • Baseball Prospectus: Dropping three straight games to the Blue Jays is one thing; three straight to the Pirates is a whole other cause for worry.
    — Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 29 July 2025
Definition of thing
Noun
  • Being executed gives you the chance to prepare yourself to die in grace.
    — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 31 July 2025
  • Democratic lawmakers in Nashville are demanding answers on the plans, while the state’s Republican leaders have jumped at the chance to partner with Musk.
    — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 31 July 2025
Definition of chance
Noun
  • Swan and the two other men were arrested in connection with the shooting incident on Dickson Street.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 July 2025
  • The most recent flare-up came after five Thai soldiers were injured in a landmine explosion last week, with the incident prompting Thailand to downgrade diplomatic relations with its neighbor.
    — Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 28 July 2025
Definition of incident
Noun
  • The incident occurred on the Tuolumne Grove paved trail, which was temporarily closed following the accident.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 31 July 2025
  • Running back Najee Harris remains on the non-football injury list after sustaining an eye injury in a July 4 fireworks accident.
    — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 31 July 2025
Definition of accident

Browse Nearby Words

circumspectly
circumstance
circumstances
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Cite this Entry

“Circumstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstance. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on circumstance

Nglish: Translation of circumstance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about circumstance

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