Thesaurus results for ENVIRONMENTAL

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

environment

noun

in-ˈvī-rə(n)-mənt

Definition of environment next

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 Wild animals who become dependent on humans should be provided with environments and care appropriate to their needs, the ASPCA states. —

Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025 This sows the seeds of an environment where children not only learn core subjects but also develop critical thinking, imagination, and collaboration skills. —

Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025 Our ultimate goal is to create an environment where all voices are heard, and where discussions remain respectful and productive. —

Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025 There’s a warmth and a patina to Alief that Navis wanted to stress as a home base, but also some genuine cowboy, Southwest aesthetic that was part of the fun of other environments Mo ends up in. —

Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 9 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for environment

Recent Examples of Synonyms for environment

Noun

The four-mile-long stretch of sand is often uncrowded, boasting a quiet atmosphere for ultimate relaxation.

— Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
The shoot was long, intense and hot, but Watkins and Green both credit the crew, their fellow actors and, happily, each other, for creating a collegiate atmosphere on set.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025