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 The environment becomes an extension of themselves, as close as a loved one or a friend. —Gwendolina Duval, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2025 As Hollywood productions have relocated to Atlanta, London, Canada and other parts of the world due to favorable tax incentives, the environment also pays a price. —Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025 Reflecting on the global macroeconomic environment, the Lindt CEO acknowledged a softening in consumer sentiment, along with job insecurity and an uncertain inflationary environment. —Helen Eggleton, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025 Myles says this is especially important when in a hybrid or remote environment where people must intentionally make time to build authentic relationships. —Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for environment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for environment
  1. atmosphere
  2. climate
  3. surround
  4. context
Noun
  • More than 2,300 rocket bodies orbiting the Earth can't be controlled and will eventually reenter the atmosphere, according to Nature.com.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The ensemble even included someone whose sole purpose was to deliver tequila shots to the musicians and hold Junior H’s red solo cup, generating a party atmosphere both onstage and in the audience.
    — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • By Alexandra York and Zoya Hasan, Forbes Staff Resourcefulness, self-sufficiency and invention are the keys to success in today’s competitive business climate.
    — Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Normal snow range is the three-decade averages of climate normals from 1991-2020.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of climate
Noun
  • What's wrong is kind of the surrounds of the thing.
    — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Befitting of The Cove’s wellness vibes, lunch at Hideaway to nosh on healthy dishes, smoothies and juices while soaking up the serene surrounds.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of surround
Noun
  • Zucker was talking about it in the context of the players, which is relevant.
    — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • We are not bound in this context by a definition crafted by an administrative agency and contained in a mere policy directive.
    — TIME Staff, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of context

Browse Nearby Words

environing
environment
environments
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Environment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/environment. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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