circumstantial evidence

noun

: evidence that tends to prove a fact by proving other events or circumstances which afford a basis for a reasonable inference of the occurrence of the fact at issue

Examples of circumstantial evidence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Given the circumstantial evidence for subglacial lakes and moist crater slopes, the researchers think the best chance for life is deep under the surface. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025 However, researchers have continued to accumulate years worth of strong but circumstantial evidence pointing to a natural origin for the pandemic, most likely at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan. Katherine Dillinger, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024 Raymond’s main task is to show how circumstantial evidence is not enough to convict a person — that personal bias might be getting in the way of justice. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 July 2024 Gyllenhaal’s Rusty, stressed out and overburdened by circumstantial evidence that points at him in neon lights, is much the same. Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 26 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for circumstantial evidence 

Word History

First Known Use

1736, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of circumstantial evidence was in 1736

Dictionary Entries Near circumstantial evidence

Cite this Entry

“Circumstantial evidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumstantial%20evidence. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

Legal Definition

circumstantial evidence

see evidence

More from Merriam-Webster on circumstantial evidence

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