Synonym Chooser

How is the word circumstance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of circumstance are episode, event, incident, and occurrence. While all these words mean "something that happens or takes place," circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

When could episode be used to replace circumstance?

The words episode and circumstance can be used in similar contexts, but episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

When might event be a better fit than circumstance?

The meanings of event and circumstance largely overlap; however, event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

When can incident be used instead of circumstance?

While the synonyms incident and circumstance are close in meaning, incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

When would occurrence be a good substitute for circumstance?

Although the words occurrence and circumstance have much in common, occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.

an encounter that was a chance occurrence

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 circumstance What To Know Moore, who joined RHOA in Season 5 and became a central figure, has been outspoken about the circumstances surrounding her suspension. Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025 While there may be some benefits, health effects will vary depending on individual circumstances and how the diet is followed. Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 9 Apr. 2025 Face Challenges Without Fear Every leader runs across difficult circumstances. Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025 An inquest held on Monday, April 7, at Nottingham Coroners' Court heard the circumstances surrounding the death of Helaleh Cheraghmakani, BBC News and the Nottingham Post reported. David Chiu, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstance
Noun
  • With a regulation loss, the Wild would no longer control their destiny, and their playoff hopes would be in serious peril.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Last night, a throng many tens of thousands deeper saw Armstrong and his main band fulfill their destiny as the holders of rock’s eternal flame.
    Jeff Miller, HollywoodReporter, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The protest events are not limited to members of Congress.
    Lauren Green, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The event brought in $30 million, but that was quickly overshadowed by footage of Obama gingerly leading Biden off the stage — which soon became an apt metaphor for the 2024 campaign.
    W. James Antle III, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Convicted in cyclist’s shooting Ragan’s only conviction for a shooting came almost six years later — thanks to modern technology and a bit of luck — in a separate case that had gone cold.
    Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Uncovering it demands effort and a bit of luck.
    Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • His draft fate teetered somewhere in the middle rounds, and Helm was crushed.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The fate of another philanthropic initiative is more uncertain.
    Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • And also, thinking about thousands of others going through the same thing.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • After the couple’s patient died, the last thing that Teddy wanted to do was discuss the fact that Owen had slept with someone else.
    Charlie Mason, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Fire’s best chance came in the 88th minute when Jonathan Bamba’s point-blank shot was stopped by Ustari.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The 46 economists surveyed by Wolters Kluwer Blue Chip Economic Indicators estimate a 47% chance of recession, up from 25% in February.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The incident was later deemed a swatting call, a when a fake 911 report is made in order to activate police response.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • According to the news release from the Los Angeles Police Department, the incident occurred Tuesday afternoon, April 8, after California Highway Patrol requested backup in locating three misdemeanor hit-and-run suspects who fled into a residential neighborhood of Eagle Rock in Los Angeles.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Lacy already was facing criminal charges stemming from a fatal car accident in Louisiana last December that had clouded his NFL prospects.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In January, Lacy was charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless operation of a vehicle after police said Lacy caused a December 17 automobile accident in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, that killed 78-year-old Herman Hall and injured two other people.
    Wayne Sterling, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Circumstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstance. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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