circumstance

noun

cir·​cum·​stance ˈsər-kəm-ˌstan(t)s How to pronounce circumstance (audio)
-stən(t)s
Synonyms of circumstancenext
1
a
: a condition, fact, or event accompanying, conditioning, or determining another : an essential or inevitable concomitant
the weather is a circumstance to be taken into consideration
b
: a subordinate or accessory (see accessory entry 2 sense 2) fact or detail
cost is a minor circumstance in this case
c
: a piece of evidence that indicates the probability or improbability of an event (such as a crime)
the circumstance of the missing weapon told against him
the circumstances suggest murder
2
a
: the sum of essential and environmental factors (as of an event or situation)
constant and rapid change in economic circumstance—G. M. Trevelyan
b
: state of affairs : eventuality
open rebellion was a rare circumstance
—often used in plural
a victim of circumstances
c
circumstances plural : situation with regard to wealth
he was in easy circumstances
rose from difficult circumstances
3
: attendant formalities and ritualistic display especially as contrasted with essential procedure
pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war—William Shakespeare
4
: an event that constitutes a detail (as of a narrative or course of events)
considering each circumstance in turn

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for circumstance

occurrence, event, incident, episode, circumstance mean something that happens or takes place.

occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.

an encounter that was a chance occurrence

event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

Examples of circumstance in a Sentence

I can't imagine a circumstance in which I would do that. The circumstances of his death are suspicious. She says that her client is a victim of circumstance and should not be blamed for the accident. He was a victim of circumstances.
Recent Examples on the Web Under such circumstances, the IRS mails a letter or notice alerting the filer of a late fee. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2024 The sun’s alignment with retrograde Mercury sheds light on a mysterious circumstance. —USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for circumstance 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'circumstance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin circumstantia, from circumstant-, circumstans, present participle of circumstare to stand around, from circum- + stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of circumstance was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing circumstance

Dictionary Entries Near circumstance

circumspectness

circumstance

circumstanced

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Circumstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumstance. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

circumstance

noun
cir·​cum·​stance ˈsər-kəm-ˌstan(t)s How to pronounce circumstance (audio)
1
a
: a fact or event that must be considered along with another fact or event
b
: a fact or detail in a chain of events
2
plural : conditions at a certain time or place
impossible under the circumstances
3
a
: the way things happen to be : chance
—often used in plural
a victim of circumstances
b
plural : financial condition
in easy circumstances

Legal Definition

circumstance

noun
cir·​cum·​stance
1
a
: a condition, fact, or event accompanying, conditioning, or determining another
must state with particularity the circumstances constituting fraud or mistake—Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 9(b)
b
: a piece of evidence that indicates the probability or improbability of an event
a statement…offered to exculpate the accused is not admissible unless corroborating circumstances clearly indicate the trustworthiness of the statement—State v. Lopez, 764 P.2d 1111 (1988)
2
plural : situation with regard to wealth
the circumstances of the parties before the divorce

More from Merriam-Webster on circumstance

Nglish: Translation of circumstance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of circumstance for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about circumstance

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