Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective circumstantial differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of circumstantial are detailed, minute, and particular. While all these words mean "dealing with a matter fully and usually point by point," circumstantial implies fullness of detail that fixes something described in time and space.

a circumstantial account of our visit

When could detailed be used to replace circumstantial?

The meanings of detailed and circumstantial largely overlap; however, detailed stresses abundance or completeness of detail.

a detailed analysis of the event

When is minute a more appropriate choice than circumstantial?

In some situations, the words minute and circumstantial are roughly equivalent. However, minute implies close and searching attention to the smallest details.

a minute examination of a fossil

When can particular be used instead of circumstantial?

The synonyms particular and circumstantial are sometimes interchangeable, but particular implies a precise attention to every detail.

a particular description of the scene of the crime

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 circumstantial During trial, Vo’s lawyer argued the case was circumstantial and that authorities were propping up flimsy evidence to solve the mystery. Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025 LaRoche’s new attorney also claimed that the evidence against her client was mainly circumstantial, per the outlet. Nicole Acosta, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025 Krispy Kreme is turning the circumstantial situation into an annual celebration by throwing Dallas a birthday party every year until he’s all grown up. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025 Her body has not been found, which has made the international murder case a challenge for FBI agents and prosecutors who have built a largely circumstantial body of evidence against Knezevich. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumstantial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstantial
Adjective
  • The website Time and Date also provides detailed information about where and when to see the phenomenon.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI scans Purpose: MRIs are scans that can create detailed images of the internal structures of the body, including organs, bones, muscles and blood vessels, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The manual work process was as impressive as the thorough understanding of quality choices.
    Mark Holgate, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Before starting an application server migration, ensure the middleware provider offers comprehensive migration resources and conducts a thorough review of your current architecture.
    Steve Millidge, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, the Cavaliers had their full 15-man standard roster available for Game 1.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Can Trump fire Fed Chair Powell? The Federal Reserve is charged with promoting full employment and stable prices.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Circumstantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstantial. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on circumstantial

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