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 Police said the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation. —Maria Salette Ontiveros, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026 Despite those suspicious circumstances, local police didn’t treat her mother’s apartment like a crime scene, Tonya Miller said. —ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026 Under no circumstances should America be involved in endless wars abroad. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026 Under normal circumstances, that combination would fuel a broad rally. —Benzinga, Freep.com, 14 Feb. 2026 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
  • Wakeland essentially controls their own playoff destiny with games against Reedy and The Colony on tap.
    — Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • But Kaszas’ ultimate destiny had nothing to do with inflicting — or receiving — bruises, contusions or broken limbs.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of destiny
Noun
  • The event will, in particular, monitor several metrics, including motion control, dynamic balance, and impact resistance.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Both mishaps were unfortunate events as medals have been hard to come by through the early days of the Winter Olympics.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of event
Noun
  • Many would give the shirt off their back to have your luck in men.
    — Jon Wertheim, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
  • In the first five minutes, Leeds had several moments of threat down their left side, with Abbott actually doing well — albeit armed with a big chunk of luck — to deflect a Gabriel Gudmundsson cross over his own bar.
    — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of luck
Noun
  • For stars, there are three main fates that a star can have, all of which are heavily dependent on their mass at birth.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Point Loma Nazarene University men’s and women’s teams are in Hawaii for three games this week that could decide their PacWest Conference fates.
    — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of fate
Noun
  • For this Alaskan, the start of summer means one thing—time to plan a winter visit.
    — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Consider introducing yourself to a neighbor, because your optimism is ideally positioned to start things off on the right foot.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of thing
Noun
  • Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway had the option to sentence him to life in prison with the chance for parole after at least 25 years, but Thompson did not face the death penalty given his age at the time of the crimes.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • There’s still a chance of some wintry mix on the front and back end.
    — Ian Livingston, Washington Post, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of chance
Noun
  • There have been no such incidents this year, but there has been plenty of on-court drama that only international team tennis — with home and away ties, and a slot just after a Grand Slam that sees many nations’ top stars resting — can provide.
    — James Hansen, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The courts have granted exceptions to search without a search warrant and each specific incident should be reviewed based on its facts.
    — Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of incident
Noun
  • Two snowmobilers died in separate accidents in western Wyoming in late January, officials said.
    — Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Some businesses require drug tests for employment or following an on-site accident.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of accident

Browse Nearby Words

circumspectly
circumstance
circumstances
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Circumstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstance. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on circumstance

Nglish: Translation of circumstance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about circumstance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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