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 Even the tiniest of living things are capable of some amazing forms of locomotion, and some come with highly sophisticated sensor suites and manage to source their energy from the environment. —John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025 These are voices that tell you where to go, what to do and how to behave in order to move in an orderly way through the urban environment, and they are meant to maintain calm efficiency, not unlike Bitching Betty. —Sarah A. Bell, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025 The Biden administration said that its rule would save consumers money and benefit the environment. —Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025 Such investments are creating professional-level training environments that attract top talent and encourage players to extend their college careers. —Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for environment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for environment
  1. atmosphere
  2. climate
  3. surround
  4. context
Noun
  • But beneath driving rain and amid a thunderous atmosphere, the home side had staged a stirring fightback, scoring four goals without reply to seize control of their destiny in the competition.
    — Tom Williams, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Project Drawdown is renowned for identifying and promoting practical climate solutions to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
    — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • Plants benefit from afternoon shade in warm Southern climates.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Whereas cotton would be best for warmer climates or traveling in the summer.
    — Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of climate
Noun
  • Befitting of The Cove’s wellness vibes, lunch at Hideaway to nosh on healthy dishes, smoothies and juices while soaking up the serene surrounds.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Her back is a curved LED screen that becomes part of the constantly shifting surround.
    — Kendra Nordin Beato, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of surround
Noun
  • But as the need to act grows more urgent, the political context is driving many companies to retreat from public leadership.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
  • For context, in last year’s early 2025 free-agent rankings, only seven players in the top 30 actually hit the open market with the rest all signing extensions with their respective teams.
    — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of context

Browse Nearby Words

environing
environment
environments
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Environment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/environment. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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