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 Brighton had beaten City at home previously in the Premier League (3-2 in May 2021), but the circumstances were entirely different. Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025 The honorary program recognizes high school seniors who have demonstrated character, integrity, love of learning and involvement in school and community, and/or have overcome challenging life circumstances without compromising their education, according to a news release. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025 And my character ends up auditioning for the show and getting a role by some crazy circumstances. Anne Easton, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 In Alaska, a unique set of circumstances means the responsibility for school repairs in many rural villages rests exclusively on the state Legislature. Taylor Kate Brown, ProPublica, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstance
Noun
  • Corey was taken from us much too soon, but his destiny was to leave us all with a shining example of the selfless devotion of a true American patriot.
    TIME Staff, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Here lies the tale of Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet), mismatched young people on a date with destiny, dreamed up by James Cameron, a filmmaker more associated with smart action films than epic tragic romances.
    Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • For your final evening on Grand Turk, make a reservation at Secret Garden, an intimate restaurant at the Salt Raker Inn where every sunset is a social event.
    Laura Begley Bloom, AFAR Media, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Coordinate Non-Event Marketing Integrated marketing keeps the event benefits going.
    Karolyn Raphael, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • She’s decided to trust her luck, even if life hasn’t always been kind to her.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 10 Mar. 2025
  • However, there was quite a bit of luck in the chip.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The fate of that funding could mean the difference between life and death, both for red wolves and the many other species that call the Alligator River refuge home.
    Ben Goldfarb, Vox, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Speaking alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin questioned the fate of remaining Ukrainian troops in Russia’s Kursk region and claimed that Russian troops are advancing along the 1,250-mile front line.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • However, things are smooth sailing for the couple as they were spotted having dinner with friends in New York City at Crane Club just days before the awards ceremony.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 18 Mar. 2025
  • There are plenty of things working against SDSU in its First Four game of the NCAA Tournament on Tuesday night against North Carolina (6:10 p.m., truTV).
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The pandemic gave many people more time at home and a chance to rethink their relationship to work.
    Aatish Bhatia, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2025
  • At 6:13 of the period, the Blue Jackets went to the power play with a chance to push the lead to 4-1.
    Aaron Portzline, The Athletic, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Some incidents may lead to prosecution on criminal charges.
    Isabel Rosales and Alexandra Skores, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The incident led to a brief delay as medical personnel rushed to assist.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Only two new plants have been started since that accident.
    David Pogue, CBS News, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Imagine a world where one simple decision – keeping our clocks aligned with the natural cycle of the Sun – could save lives, prevent accidents and improve mental well-being.
    Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Circumstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstance. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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