milieu

noun

mēl-ˈyü How to pronounce milieu (audio)
Definition of milieunext
as in environment
the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded young, innovative artists thrive in the freewheeling milieu that a big city offers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word milieu distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of milieu are background, environment, mise-en-scène, and setting. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

Where would background be a reasonable alternative to milieu?

Although the words background and milieu have much in common, 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 it sensible to use environment instead of milieu?

The meanings of environment and milieu largely overlap; however, 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

In what contexts can mise-en-scène take the place of milieu?

While the synonyms mise-en-scène and milieu are close in meaning, 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 can setting be used instead of milieu?

The words setting and milieu can be used in similar contexts, but 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 milieu Piani’s French-English production basks in the Austen milieu but tweaks things, including the lovely English countryside. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 22 May 2025 These fissures are where Islamism leaps in to segregate, cohort, and indoctrinate with antidemocratic illiberal Islamist values forming the milieu ripe for radicalization, including terrorism and evolutionary jihad. —Faisal Kutty, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 Gleaming white amid the vibrant neon milieu of Ocean Drive, The Betsy is a renowned literary hotel, an appellation rare if not unique in South Florida. —Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2025 In the chemical milieu of the body, what would be lactic acid is split into two components: lactate and hydrogen ions. —Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for milieu
Recent Examples of Synonyms for milieu
  1. environment
  2. atmosphere
  3. context
  4. climate
  5. surround
Noun
  • At the same time, the professionally focused MacBook Pro will squeeze out another year or two, which will be welcomed by those using the laptop in a production environment, but Tim Cook has put the platform on notice of cancellation.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2025
Definition of environment
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • As these challenges make their impact felt, businesses need to be able to nimbly update their product formulation and examine their offerings within the context of a broader portfolio.
    — Stephen DeAngelis, Forbes.com, 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
Noun
  • Instead of treating sustainability as a checklist or compliance task, organizations must rethink it as a strategy for balance—across climate, communities, and capital.
    — Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • The other day she was arrested again as a 68-year-old climate activist.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 14 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

Browse Nearby Words

milia
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milieus
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Cite this Entry

“Milieu.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/milieu. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on milieu

Nglish: Translation of milieu for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about milieu

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