CIRCUMSTANCE Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

circumstance

noun

ˈsər-kəm-ˌstan(t)s

Definition of circumstance next

as in destiny

a state or end that seemingly has been decided beforehand the condemned murderer seemed indifferent to his circumstance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in event

something that happens due to unexpected circumstances, the test will be postponed

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in luck

the uncertain course of events I was a victim of circumstance, for nothing that I could have done would have made a difference

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Gasteyer recalls the awkward circumstances surrounding Moseley's presence on the show. —

Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 7 Feb. 2025 What are the extenuating circumstances that nobody wants to talk about? —

Janelle Ash, Fox News, 6 Feb. 2025 McCaskey was reluctantly forced by circumstance to take over her father’s enterprise. —

Don Pierson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025 The circumstances of Manzano’s death remained unclear as of Thursday afternoon. —

Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for circumstance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstance

Noun

This book really focuses on the idea of fate and destiny.

— Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
Loucks Family Even as a child, Maggie Loucks believed being a mom was her destiny.

— Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 12 Feb. 2025