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

Examples 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 What’s more, cells change as humans age and in relation to the external environment. Katie Hunt, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024 These skin-first makeup products represent significant industry upgrades, providing an ideal environment for K-beauty to flourish in its new phase. Danielle James, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2024 The competitive series puts the cast through training across harsh environments, modeled after the U.S. Special Forces. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024 The decline is attributed to the higher interest rate environment. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for environment 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for environment
Noun
  • Once the atmosphere responds to changes in oceanic temperature, more tropical rain tends to fall in Asia and Australia.
    Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
  • As the air passes over unfrozen waters, warmth and moisture move into the lowest portion of the atmosphere.
    Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • This conservative-leaning economic report ranks states on business climate and economic performance.
    Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Drivers reportedly complained about touchscreen systems adding in at times annoying levels of friction to simple functions like climate control and music.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Mournful guitar and subdued harmonies surround, making this one of Nelson’s most evocative vocal renderings.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2024
  • Upgrading your entertainment system with the JBL Bar 1000, a soundbar that doesn't just include a powerful subwoofer, but also features two detachable surround speakers.
    Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 23 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • In the context of project management, this underscores the importance of risk management.
    Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2024
  • In the context of Herbert’s Dune, the multi-millennia-long conspiracy in human engineering necessary to yield a messianic hero of startling apocalyptic power sounds supercool, giving Paul a Chosen One stature of virtually unparalleled magnitude.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 17 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near environment

Cite this Entry

“Environment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/environment. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on environment

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