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 Scientists used dental analysis and circumstantial evidence recovered from the scene to confirm the identity. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 9 Oct. 2024 Supporters of this theory point to the seemingly overwhelming circumstantial evidence that connects the outbreak to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which also houses China’s only biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) lab, the highest level of biosafety precautions. Yanzhong Huang, Foreign Affairs, 5 Mar. 2020 Other kinds of compelling circumstantial evidence started to pile up. William Taylor, The Conversation, 3 Sep. 2024 Police used this identification, along with testimony from those who witnessed the threats against Mickey — as well as evidence that Goodwin and his wife liquidated assets and left the country five months after the murders — as circumstantial evidence of Goodwin’s involvement. Makena Gera, Peoplemag, 16 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for circumstantial evidence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'circumstantial evidence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 5 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

circumstantial evidence

see evidence

More from Merriam-Webster on circumstantial evidence

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