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

Examples 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 How our perceptions of identity can be malleable depending on the surroundings or circumstances. —

Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025 No generation is a monolith, but certain circumstances and patterns define the values, communication styles, priorities and preferences of each group in the workplace. —

Dr. Shekinah "ki" Magee, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 Investigators’ findings can result in fines, legal settlements and even prison time, depending on circumstances. —

Eric Levenson, CNN, 15 Jan. 2025 Estrada’s charge does not include the special circumstance allegation. —

Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for circumstance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstance

Noun

But the Bills and Josh Allen are a team of destiny.

— Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2025
While the Oilers might prefer to move on and use his $3 million in cap space on an upgrade at the trade deadline, Skinner controls his own destiny with a no-movement clause in his contract.

— Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025