milieu

noun

mēl-ˈyü How to pronounce milieu (audio)
Definition of milieunext
as in environment
the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded young, innovative artists thrive in the freewheeling milieu that a big city offers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word milieu distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of milieu are background, environment, mise-en-scène, and setting. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

Where would background be a reasonable alternative to milieu?

Although the words background and milieu have much in common, background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development.

the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots

When is it sensible to use environment instead of milieu?

The meanings of environment and milieu largely overlap; however, environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development.

the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents

In what contexts can mise-en-scène take the place of milieu?

While the synonyms mise-en-scène and milieu are close in meaning, mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect.

a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

When can setting be used instead of milieu?

The words setting and milieu can be used in similar contexts, but setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

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 milieu The tasty dialogue, wherein most of the humor lies, indicates the difference between classes but also the history and expectations of the milieu in which Delia exists. —Alissa Simon, Variety, 6 Mar. 2025 In the swelling worshiping milieu, the transactional nature of politics is washed away in a hot potion of religious fervor. —John Scott Lewinski, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025 So, yeah, Colorado and its snowy, cozy milieu felt like a return to form, with a focus on technique and ingredients over games and gimmickry. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2025 Since the late Nineties, melancholia has been the quartet’s milieu — chord changes that favor lumbering, slow-building anxiety and drama over any impulse to rock. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for milieu
Recent Examples of Synonyms for milieu
  1. environment
  2. atmosphere
  3. context
  4. climate
  5. surround
Noun
  • Myles says this is especially important when in a hybrid or remote environment where people must intentionally make time to build authentic relationships.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Walmart in 'a fluid environment' Walmart's announcement came ahead of an investor presentation on Wednesday by the retailer's top leaders.
    — Melissa Repko, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of environment
Noun
  • The process not only ushered in uncharacteristic darkness, but unveiled the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
  • But beneath driving rain and amid a thunderous atmosphere, the home side had staged a stirring fightback, scoring four goals without reply to seize control of their destiny in the competition.
    — Tom Williams, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • For context, in last year’s early 2025 free-agent rankings, only seven players in the top 30 actually hit the open market with the rest all signing extensions with their respective teams.
    — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • But as the need to act grows more urgent, the political context is driving many companies to retreat from public leadership.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of context
Noun
  • Whereas cotton would be best for warmer climates or traveling in the summer.
    — Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Early polling is often deemed unreliable as the political climate is rapidly changing.
    — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of climate
Noun
  • Befitting of The Cove’s wellness vibes, lunch at Hideaway to nosh on healthy dishes, smoothies and juices while soaking up the serene surrounds.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Her back is a curved LED screen that becomes part of the constantly shifting surround.
    — Kendra Nordin Beato, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of surround

Browse Nearby Words

milia
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Cite this Entry

“Milieu.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/milieu. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on milieu

Nglish: Translation of milieu for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about milieu

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