circumstances

noun

plural of circumstance
1
as in destinies
a state or end that seemingly has been decided beforehand the condemned murderer seemed indifferent to his circumstance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in things
something that happens due to unexpected circumstances, the test will be postponed

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
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

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 The goal is to spare residents the inconvenience of repeatedly visiting government offices, particularly when little has changed in their circumstances. — Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026 But now, there are no circumstances to be had, and the DP World Tour announced that LIV players are no longer welcome. — Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 These are precisely the capacities organizations rely on when employees are being asked to learn new systems, reconsider priorities, navigate ambiguity and make decisions in unfamiliar circumstances. — Shahrzad Jalali, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 The circumstances surrounding the incident are unknown at this time. — Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 Halley is expected to return in the summer of 2061, in circumstances that will largely mirror those of 1986 — but with one crucial difference. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2026 The circumstances of the collision were reported by multiple outlets. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026 That allows manufacturers to identify measures suited to their circumstances, rather than follow a universal sequence of upgrades. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026 The statement did not include a cause of death or details about the circumstances. — Ronnie Glassberg, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstances
  1. destinies
  2. things
  3. luck
  4. fates
  5. events
  6. chances
  7. incidents
  8. accidents
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
  • Which brings us back to the list of things that lasted longer than Zacharia’s term as White House Press Secretary.
    — Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The wide-leg pants keep things relaxed, and the ruched waist on the knit top adds shape and makes the whole look feel more polished than a standard sweatshirt set.
    — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of things
Noun
  • And, in the case of the continent’s richest man Aliko Dangote, the conflict has proven the old adage that luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles star as the down-on-their-luck Dashwood sisters, who are forced to move from their fine family estate into the decidedly more modest Barton Cottage.
    — Nicholas DeRenzo, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of luck
Noun
  • The team's research clarifies how the environments around infant stars directly affect planetary fates and, in turn, the survival of extrasolar planets, or exoplanets, that are potentially capable of hosting life.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The fates of Jane Doe and Nolan Wells leave us longing for the Golden Rule, writes columnist LZ Granderson.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of fates
Noun
  • Hundreds also turned out for a No Kings protest in Boise Saturday, one of 3,000 such events nationwide aimed at mobilizing early voters.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Part of its purpose, from the beginning, was not only to deliver new facts but to interpret ragged events for a nervous audience of relatively prosperous, largely white viewers who shared Wallace’s concern about the shape and tenor of the future.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of events
Noun
  • Fans are cautious about discussing UCLA’s chances of making the College Football Playoff, despite the Bruins becoming the last undefeated team in the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference.
    — Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Though that doesn’t mean the Texas head coach is ready to risk the chances of them making the CFP if Arch cannot show progress in the first half on Saturday.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of chances
Noun
  • But analysts say the incidents are unlikely to bring remaining shipping activity through the Strait to a halt, even as major container lines largely stay away.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The message did not identify specific incidents or detail any investigations or actions in response to the concerns.
    — CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of incidents
Noun
  • His 2020 breakout record, Little Dominiques Nosebleed, examined place and heritage by tracing the ripples of two successive childhood car accidents; 2022’s ISTHISFORREAL?
    — Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Other recent temporary closures in some of Chile’s copper mines, which are responsible for almost a quarter of global output, because of worker accidents and benefits disputes have also pushed up international prices.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of accidents

Browse Nearby Words

circumstance
circumstances
circumstantial
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Cite this Entry

“Circumstances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstances. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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