Synonym Chooser

How is the word circumstance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of circumstance are episode, event, incident, and occurrence. While all these words mean "something that happens or takes place," circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

When could episode be used to replace circumstance?

The words episode and circumstance can be used in similar contexts, but episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

When might event be a better fit than circumstance?

The meanings of event and circumstance largely overlap; however, event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

When can incident be used instead of circumstance?

While the synonyms incident and circumstance are close in meaning, incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

When would occurrence be a good substitute for circumstance?

Although the words occurrence and circumstance have much in common, occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.

an encounter that was a chance occurrence

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 circumstance In appropriate circumstances a DAPT could be a great tool for estate tax planning (depending on what tax legislation is passed in Washington and the child’s current and future wealth level) and asset protection planning (protection from lawsuits and claims). Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 But after the roster-decimating trade deadline, injuries and other circumstances have led to some serious ugliness. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 28 Mar. 2025 The sheriff’s office noted that the circumstances surrounding O’Malley’s death are still under investigation. Sam Gillette, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025 Details of the shooting, including whether the man was armed and the circumstances that warranted the use of deadly force, were not released by either the KBI or the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstance
Noun
  • Are we born with certain abilities, personalities, and destinies already programmed in?
    Dalton Conley, TIME, 19 Mar. 2025
  • With playoff positioning on the line in the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons (38-31) make the trip down south to face the reeling Miami Heat (29-39), who are still in control of their playoff destiny.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Such violent celestial events may have left a clue in ancient rocks in the form of a rare element.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Tesla electric vehicles have become a popular target since billionaire CEO Elon Musk gave what some considered to be a Nazi salute during an inaugural event for President Donald Trump last November.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • However, their luck ran out in the following two games, where the Reds lost twice in a row to PSG in the last-16 second-leg and then Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final – the latter held them without a shot for an entire half.
    Brett Koremenos, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Two Georgia lottery players tried their luck — and walked away with life-changing wins.
    Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Despite the charges being dropped, the fate of the four photographs remains unclear.
    Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Amid uncertainty around the fate of the TikTok ban, Meta is one of the major social media platforms making overtures to creators.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Jake Paul has nothing but good things to say about his Disney days.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Few things can complicate the otherwise straightforward matter of death quite like family and the possibility of inheritance.
    Ashley Case, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • As with tattoos, there's a chance that microneedling could trigger new psoriasis lesions through the Koebner phenomenon.
    Sarah Bence, OTR/L, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025
  • There’s a slight chance Michael could still boogie down the road toward the end of this year for awards season; that isn’t out of the question.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Morgan Wallen sentenced: The country star pleaded guilty in Nashville chair-throwing incident After only giving Madison a hug, the singer walked into the audience and past the camera, while the rest of the cast remained on stage for another 90 seconds.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Bickerstaff, who is in his first year coaching Detroit, added the team is ‘frustrated after the incident and the loss.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Adam DeVine was told to 'stick to the script' on Modern Family after confusing Sofia Vergara with improv DeVine detailed his childhood accident to Entertainment Weekly in 2016.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • This accident is one of many issues faced by self-driving and electric vehicle companies in China, including batteries in electric vehicles catching fire and brake systems failing.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Circumstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstance. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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