CIRCUMSTANCES Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

circumstances

noun

plural of circumstance

as in destinies

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

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Relevance

as in things

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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 circumstances Everette has a knack for scoring important touchdowns, and when’s facing circumstances that qualify as either make or break, his exact mindset borders on being unstoppable. — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Her physical absence changes nothing about the circumstances of our friendship. — Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026 The chance of a mistake under those circumstances is significant, according to Krishna Guha, head of economics and central bank strategy at Evercore ISI. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026 The circumstances surrounding the deadly assault remain under investigation. — CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 The circumstances for Game 6 of the WNBA Finals between the Dream and the Valkyries aren’t what anyone wants. — Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 27 Oct. 2026 These circumstances, too, create a perception of the world as unpredictable and may lead people to seek escape via alcohol or other drugs. — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 Claim narratives can be analyzed for patterns in how members described their circumstances before a lapse, revealing early indicators that a structured premium payment record alone would never surface. — Amanda Turcotte, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Barring some extremely unforeseen circumstances, the owners will immediately proceed to a lockout. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstances

Noun

Noir, by contrast, brooks no such substitutions, because its conception of authenticity cannot allow for alternative destinies.

— Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
People looking out for themselves have compromised the fates of those who have less control over their destinies.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of destinies

Noun

Born in 1888, Jim Casey spent his life, starting at the tender age of eleven, thinking about how to deliver things more efficiently.

— Marc Levinson, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
New York — Brett Smiley was elected mayor of Providence in 2022 on a pledge to build more housing and get things done in Rhode Island’s capital city.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of things

Noun

The prince didn’t have any luck in blocking Kelce, which comes as little surprise given the Chiefs star knows how to avoid defensive players.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Halloween fireballs Our last pick is going to take a great deal of patience, and a good amount of luck!

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of luck

Noun

Legend has it that sad fates befell those who made her angry and happy ones those who were kind to her.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026
As their interpersonal dynamics fray, a constant tug-of-war between power and vulnerability not only shapes the characters’ individual choices, but also profoundly impacts their ultimate journeys and tragic fates.

— Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of fates

Noun

The district would install gates on its drives that could be opened or closed as needed during events and school hours.

— Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
The local police department is conducting a criminal investigation into the events leading up to the collision and the actions of those involved, Kinnan said Wednesday.

— Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of events

Noun

Ohio Republicans redrew Kaptur’s seat this cycle, but Democrats are bullish on her chances.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
What readers are saying The comments reflect a mix of skepticism and concern about the upcoming elections, with some expressing doubt about the Democrats' chances in the Senate and others worried about potential election chaos and disputes.

— Amber Phillips, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of chances

Noun

In the immediate aftermath of high-profile incidents, such as the Sandy Hook school shooting, in Newtown, Connecticut, the team would make contact with law enforcement to offer assistance.

— Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Beatrice is not the only person reconsidering the nastiness of the proceedings; a series of small incidents leads Morgan to question Cathcarts’ cruelty.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of incidents

Noun

What readers are saying The comments express shock and concern over a recent train collision in Spain, highlighting issues with safety systems and the frequency of such accidents.

— Victoria Bisset, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2026
Most damage to the undersea cables that form the Internet’s backbone is the result of accidents involving bottom-trawling fishing nets and ship anchors dragging on the seabed, with storms and undersea landslides also factoring in.

— Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of accidents

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circumstance

circumstances

circumstantial

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“Circumstances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstances. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of circumstances

noun

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