circumstance
noun
cir·cum·stance
ˈsər-kəm-ˌstan(t)s 
-stən(t)s
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
G. M. Trevelyan
b
: state of affairs : eventuality
open rebellion was a rare circumstance
—often used in plurala 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
William Shakespeare4
: an event that constitutes a detail (as of a narrative or course of events)
considering each circumstance in turn
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
Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.
—Amy Wagner and Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2024
Authorities were still investigating the circumstances and motive of the incident, according to the news release.
—Caelyn Pender, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
The measures could roll back bans in five states
While the ballot questions have similar aims, each one occupies its own political circumstances.
—Geoff Mulvihill, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
Group therapy and self-help apps that focus on specific conditions are examples that have proven to be highly effective in the right circumstances but are often overlooked as options.
—Steven Aquino, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for circumstance 
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Amy Wagner and Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2024
Authorities were still investigating the circumstances and motive of the incident, according to the news release.
—Caelyn Pender, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
The measures could roll back bans in five states
While the ballot questions have similar aims, each one occupies its own political circumstances.
—Geoff Mulvihill, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
Group therapy and self-help apps that focus on specific conditions are examples that have proven to be highly effective in the right circumstances but are often overlooked as options.
—Steven Aquino, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for circumstance
Dictionary Entries Near circumstance
Cite this Entry
“Circumstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumstance. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
circumstance
noun
cir·cum·stance
ˈsər-kəm-ˌstan(t)s
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)
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)
State v. Lopez, 764 P.2d 1111 (1988)2
plural
: situation with regard to wealth
the circumstances of the parties before the divorce
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