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

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.

Her body has not been found, making the international murder case especially challenging for FBI agents and prosecutors, who have built their case largely on circumstantial evidence. —

Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 8 Feb. 2025 Sanjay Roy, the police volunteer, was convicted by judge Anirban Das on Saturday, who said circumstantial evidence had proved the charges against Roy. —

Reuters, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025 Hansen's remains were identified using dental and anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial evidence and DNA analysis. —

Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 20 Dec. 2024 So generally speaking, an increase in seizures is usually interpreted as circumstantial evidence that things are getting worse, not better. —

Maria Ramirez Uribe, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Oct. 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

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Dictionary Entries Near circumstantial evidence

circumstantial

circumstantial evidence

circumstantialness

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Style

“Circumstantial evidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumstantial%20evidence. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

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