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 Backing away Sponsors typically don’t explicitly draw a straight line between the political environment and their decisions to end or pull back their support, executives of South Florida Pride organizations said. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025 This created a hazardous environment for responding officers. —Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 7 June 2025 While the White Sox as an organization steers clear of making overt political statements, its commitment is to create an inclusive, welcoming environment, said Sheena Quinn, vice president of public relations for the White Sox. —Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2025 People are moulded by their environment, and for footballers, that is the club. —Philipp Lahm, New York Times, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for environment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for environment
  1. atmosphere
  2. climate
  3. surround
  4. context
Noun
  • Ultimately, professor Bayram says, the Gaziantep baklava known today was shaped by the local ingredients, the atmosphere and climate of the city — and by local chefs who were consumed with perfecting the recipe and passed that obsession along to their apprentices.
    — Fatma Tanis, NPR, 7 June 2025
  • Game 3 is back in Sunrise Monday, and if Game 2’s Panthers watch party was any preview, expect a wild atmosphere.
    — Adam Beasley, Miami Herald, 7 June 2025
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • Arvind and Fashion for Good are holding onto the hope that despite the economic tumult caused by geopolitical strife and exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s whipsawing tariffs, brands remain committed to their climate targets despite the high investment costs and the less tangible payback.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 3 June 2025
  • Opposition welcomes Wilders’ departure Frans Timmermans, the former European Commission climate chief who now leads the main opposition bloc in parliament, welcomed Wilders’ decision.
    — Mike Corder, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Definition of climate
Noun
  • Its sound quality is superb, with deep bass and crisp, clear vocals, and the DTS Headphone:X surround tech adds a lot to the experience.
    — Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 30 May 2025
  • There’s no escaping the large kidney grille, but a new mesh pattern enhances things, and buyers can now specify an illuminated grille surround.
    — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Definition of surround
Noun
  • Merz making this point was important in the context of highlighting the U.S.-German relationship, according to Jackson Janes, senior resident fellow at the German Marshall Fund.
    — Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 6 June 2025
  • But Morse’s direct testimony and broader message Wednesday, particularly in the context of the Special Olympics, added an entirely different dimension to the poignant tale.
    — Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 6 June 2025
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 17 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of environment for Spanish Speakers

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