under certain circumstances
idiom
: in some special cases
The contract can be extended under certain circumstances.
Examples of under certain circumstances in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Presidents are allowed under certain circumstances to use troops to guard federal property and personnel but are generally banned from using the military to enforce federal law domestically under the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878.
—
Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025
Once the term ends, justices would continue to hold their office but would participate in cases only if called upon under certain circumstances.
—Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
This may seem like a benign application, but the fear was that an LLM might misbehave under certain circumstances – even to the point of committing malicious behavior in violation of direct orders – despite just handling messages.
—David Szondy
june 28, New Atlas, 28 June 2025
In activating the Guard, Trump pointed to a provision of the law governing the use of the military, Title 10, that authorizes him to do so under certain circumstances, when there is an invasion, a rebellion, or the president is unable to enforce the laws of the United States.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for under certain circumstances
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.
Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025
Once the term ends, justices would continue to hold their office but would participate in cases only if called upon under certain circumstances.
—Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
This may seem like a benign application, but the fear was that an LLM might misbehave under certain circumstances – even to the point of committing malicious behavior in violation of direct orders – despite just handling messages.
—David Szondy
june 28, New Atlas, 28 June 2025
In activating the Guard, Trump pointed to a provision of the law governing the use of the military, Title 10, that authorizes him to do so under certain circumstances, when there is an invasion, a rebellion, or the president is unable to enforce the laws of the United States.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for under certain circumstances
Cite this Entry
“Under certain circumstances.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/under%20certain%20circumstances. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share