environment

noun

in-ˈvī-rə(n)-mənt How to pronounce environment (audio)
Definition of environmentnext
as in surroundings
the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded the joys of growing up in the environment that a small town offers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word environment distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of environment are background, milieu, mise-en-scène, and setting. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development.

the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents

When is it sensible to use background instead of environment?

The meanings of background and environment largely overlap; however, background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development.

the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots

When is milieu a more appropriate choice than environment?

In some situations, the words milieu and environment are roughly equivalent. However, milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

When might mise-en-scène be a better fit than environment?

While in some cases nearly identical to environment, mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect.

a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

When could setting be used to replace environment?

While the synonyms setting and environment are close in meaning, setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

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 environment Prices start at $198, and a portion of the proceeds will go towards Community Footprints, The Ritz-Carlton’s initiative benefitting local charities that focus on the environment, education, and social mobility. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026 Professionals who’ve navigated different environments tend to see problems more clearly, communicate across functions more effectively, and bring context that others lack. —Ashley Herd, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026 In addition to medication and therapy, one of the current standard treatments for panic disorder involves exposure therapy — recreating the feelings of a panic attack in a safe environment so a person can learn to tolerate them. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Feb. 2026 The environment is comfortable. —Usa Today Network, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for environment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for environment
  1. atmosphere
  2. climate
  3. surround
  4. context
Noun
  • Surveil your barmates Inside Berghain, the atmosphere is eclectic and electric.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Focusing on classic pieces of decor, rather than constantly following changing trends, ensures your space feels like home and creates a cozy, lived-in atmosphere.
    — Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • The energy output is designed to remain stable down to –50 degrees Celsius, supporting reliable operation in some of the harshest climates on Earth, reports InsideEVs.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
  • As the race to find alternative cooling tech heats up, researchers are exploring climate-friendly options such as elastocaloric cooling, a solid-state tech that moves heat through reversible phase transformations.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of climate
Noun
  • While not the biggest change from its forbear, the 40 Series face would go on to become iconic, its round headlights within a white grille surround defining the model in the public’s eye.
    — Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2026
  • And yes, the infamous petri-dish smiley faces were plastered around the entire surround-screen as creator Vince Gilligan chatted with stars Rhea Seehorn, Karolina Wydra, Carlos-Manuel Vesga and Samba Schutte (who also moderated).
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026
Definition of surround
Noun
  • Within this context, the central flaw of the quota/preference (DEI) supporters has always been their misguided definition of justice in terms of group outcomes, rather than individual cases.
    — Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Williams did not explicitly mention tennis, or any sport, in her Super Bowl advert for Ro, but her focus on movement and wellbeing in the context of her softening position on the possibility of a comeback was striking.
    — James Hansen, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of context

Browse Nearby Words

environing
environment
environments
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Cite this Entry

“Environment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/environment. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on environment

Nglish: Translation of environment for Spanish Speakers

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