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 Great facilities, great people and great school and a great environment to be in in this area. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2025 Leading new college students through an ethical analysis of Marvel movies seemed like an opportunity to work on useful intellectual skills in a low-pressure environment. James Calvin Davis, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2025 With Republicans holding majorities in both the Senate and House, Trump faces a favorable environment to advance his legislative agenda. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 New store openings in Rome and Bangkok as well as a focus on consumers in Japan, South Korea and the Middle East helped the brand navigate the choppy luxury environment. Lily Templeton, WWD, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for environment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for environment
Noun
  • Serving many different customers The advantages of such a platform include superior image quality, less congested orbits, and natural debris removal as inoperable satellites are pulled down into Earth's atmosphere and burnt up.
    Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Fewer people on the slopes is also a huge bonus for skiers and the mountain atmosphere is much more relaxed.
    Roger Sands, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • For more climate and environment news, follow @Sammy_Roth on X and @sammyroth.bsky.social on Bluesky.
    Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Armed conflicts, political, economic, and sociocultural crises, waves of migration, corruption, crime, misinformation, climate and environmental challenges, and technological advances, especially AI, are shaping a new global scenario.
    Susana Sierra, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Another new trick is the ability to add Bose's Ultra Open Earbuds for personalized surround, which creates an almost AR effect.
    Ryan Waniata, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024
  • But the new copy released nationwide via Janus has been finished in crisp digital 4K with a new 5.1 surround soundtrack.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The season so far has set an interesting context leading up to the COTA race.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Morrison provides just enough context via on-screen text, explaining how the murder of Laquan McDonald four years earlier had created tensions between police and the public.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Environment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/environment. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on environment

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