as in environment
the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded young, innovative artists thrive in the freewheeling milieu that a big city offers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word milieu distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of milieu are background, environment, mise-en-scène, and setting. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

Where would background be a reasonable alternative to milieu?

Although the words background and milieu have much in common, 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 it sensible to use environment instead of milieu?

The meanings of environment and milieu largely overlap; however, 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

In what contexts can mise-en-scène take the place of milieu?

While the synonyms mise-en-scène and milieu are close in meaning, 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 can setting be used instead of milieu?

The words setting and milieu can be used in similar contexts, but 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 milieu So, yeah, Colorado and its snowy, cozy milieu felt like a return to form, with a focus on technique and ingredients over games and gimmickry. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2025 Since the late Nineties, melancholia has been the quartet’s milieu — chord changes that favor lumbering, slow-building anxiety and drama over any impulse to rock. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2025 In flirting with his offer, Gavin proposed a less British, more cosmopolitan milieu (his mother was Mexican). Peter Bart, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025 This uncertainty underscored the scientific milieu of the time: the line between birds and reptiles was sharply drawn, and the idea of a transitional creature blurred those boundaries. Scott Travers, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for milieu
Recent Examples of Synonyms for milieu
Noun
  • Makes sense: more blood circulation in the scalp fosters a healthier environment for your hair follicles.
    Emily Orofino, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The film takes place within an inhospitable environment where brushes with outlaws (and the law itself) can lead to death by gunfire.
    Sezin Devi Keohler, EW.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Smyth Tavern is a local destination in itself, thanks to its come-in-and-make-yourself-at-home atmosphere, its friendly service and excellent food.
    Lois Alter Mark, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Its long, arching leaves and small offshoots add a lively touch to any room, creating a refreshing atmosphere.
    Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • By combining the context of signals with the precision of AI, every interaction becomes an opportunity to build trust and stand out in a process that otherwise can sometimes feel beyond our control.
    Latane Conant, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • In the current context, three things are notable about Reagan’s sentiments.
    Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In the current economic climate, the book values of energy and infrastructure assets are significantly underestimated.
    Mark Le Dain, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Indeed, this tree doesn’t naturally survive in the climate of Southern California.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Billet aluminum trim, including the windshield surround and interior trim.
    Mark Phelan, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2025
  • And modern lighting technology means there's no hiding once the sun goes down—depending on the model, the surround might illuminate after dark.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 10 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Milieu.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/milieu. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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