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 Your unique needs, goals and circumstances require the individualized attention of your own tax and financial professionals whose advice and services will prevail over any information provided in this article. Cicely Jones, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 Charles made his statement as inquiries continued into the circumstances of the incident. Simon Perry, People.com, 27 May 2025 And to do it under those circumstances must have been overwhelming. Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025 This approach creates zero pressure while acknowledging individual circumstances. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstance
Noun
  • Imagine for a moment the great leaders who have changed the destiny of humanity.
    Veronica Angela, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • But the Pacers seem to be the team of destiny, always seemingly finding ways to win.
    Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Parades; live entertainment; food, drink and merchandise vendors; community resources; and family-friendly activities are central to all of these events.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 2 June 2025
  • The International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC), one of the oldest and most prestigious annual global spirit judging events, just released the results for their 2025 event.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • The lottery luck keeps coming for Southern California, which now boasts two of the four Powerball jackpot winners this year.
    Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
  • Courtesy: Isshiki Matcha Struggling with FOMO Zheng credits her success to preparation, hard work and luck — which sometimes comes in the form of meeting the right person at the right time.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • Another issue of concern for Beijing is the fate of Chinese students in the US.
    Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
  • Once those clips went viral, the 27-year-old’s fate was apparently sealed.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Viewed from within China, things had been looking up after the world’s two largest economies agreed to dramatically roll back steep tariffs – a conciliatory step in a trade war that had threatened the entire global trading system.
    Steven Jiang, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
  • The explosion of money in the game in the past few years has made things only more toxic.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • After the lengthy delay, LAFC had a golden chance on the ensuing free kick, with the ball into América’s box falling for Nathan Ordaz in clear shooting range.
    Avi Creditor, New York Times, 1 June 2025
  • Everyone has a chance to join Team Ocean — which can mean taking part in beach cleanups, educating yourself and others about the ocean or taking part in local sustainability efforts.
    Jenna DiPaolo, Sun Sentinel, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • Surveillance footage of the incident circulated by Telegram channels linked to Russian law enforcement agencies purportedly showed the moment Gurtsiyev was caught up in the blast.
    Isabel van Brugen Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • Law enforcement has not said why Phay was in Southern California or provided any possible motivation for the violent incident.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • There was one fatal accident when a young man in his twenties died in a collision with a vehicle, police chief Laurent Nuñez told reporters, while in the southwestern city of Dax, a 17-year-old died from stab wounds, French media reported.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
  • Medical coverage $75,000 in emergency accident and sickness coverage $250,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage $750 in emergency dental treatment coverage Pre-existing conditions No coverage for pre-existing conditions within 60 days of your policy’s start date.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 1 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Circumstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstance. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on circumstance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!