circumstance

noun

1
a
: a condition, fact, or event accompanying, conditioning, or determining another : an essential or inevitable concomitant
the weather is a circumstance to be taken into consideration
b
: a subordinate or accessory (see accessory entry 2 sense 2) fact or detail
cost is a minor circumstance in this case
c
: a piece of evidence that indicates the probability or improbability of an event (such as a crime)
the circumstance of the missing weapon told against him
the circumstances suggest murder
2
a
: the sum of essential and environmental factors (as of an event or situation)
constant and rapid change in economic circumstance G. M. Trevelyan
b
: state of affairs : eventuality
open rebellion was a rare circumstance
often used in plural
a victim of circumstances
c
circumstances plural : situation with regard to wealth
he was in easy circumstances
rose from difficult circumstances
3
: attendant formalities and ritualistic display especially as contrasted with essential procedure
pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war William Shakespeare
4
: an event that constitutes a detail (as of a narrative or course of events)
considering each circumstance in turn
Choose the Right Synonym for circumstance

occurrence, event, incident, episode, circumstance mean something that happens or takes place.

occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.

an encounter that was a chance occurrence

event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

Examples of circumstance in a Sentence

I can't imagine a circumstance in which I would do that. The circumstances of his death are suspicious. She says that her client is a victim of circumstance and should not be blamed for the accident. He was a victim of circumstances.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
These circumstances felt at once promising and threatening at a time of bewildering yet liberating technological developments. David A. Ross, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2025 Initially cared for by her adopter, Lori moved in with her adopter's mother when life circumstances changed. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025 But time moves quickly, circumstances change and memories fade. Mike Jones, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024 Torres’ Oscar-worthy turn conveys both the sorrow of the circumstances and then inner strength Eunice required to fight for justice and fend off despair. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for circumstance 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin circumstantia, from circumstant-, circumstans, present participle of circumstare to stand around, from circum- + stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of circumstance was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near circumstance

Cite this Entry

“Circumstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumstance. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

circumstance

noun
1
a
: a fact or event that must be considered along with another fact or event
b
: a fact or detail in a chain of events
2
plural : conditions at a certain time or place
impossible under the circumstances
3
a
: the way things happen to be : chance
often used in plural
a victim of circumstances
b
plural : financial condition
in easy circumstances

Legal Definition

circumstance

noun
cir·​cum·​stance
1
a
: a condition, fact, or event accompanying, conditioning, or determining another
must state with particularity the circumstances constituting fraud or mistake Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 9(b)
b
: a piece of evidence that indicates the probability or improbability of an event
a statement…offered to exculpate the accused is not admissible unless corroborating circumstances clearly indicate the trustworthiness of the statement State v. Lopez, 764 P.2d 1111 (1988)
2
plural : situation with regard to wealth
the circumstances of the parties before the divorce

More from Merriam-Webster on circumstance

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