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circumstance

noun
cir·​cum·​stance | \ ˈsər-kəm-ˌstan(t)s How to pronounce circumstance (audio) , -stən(t)s\

Definition of circumstance

1a : a condition, fact, or event accompanying, conditioning, or determining another : an essential or inevitable concomitant the weather is a circumstance to be taken into consideration
b : a subordinate or accessory (see accessory entry 2 sense 2) fact or detail cost is a minor circumstance in this case
c : a piece of evidence that indicates the probability or improbability of an event (such as a crime) the circumstance of the missing weapon told against him the circumstances suggest murder
2a : the sum of essential and environmental factors (as of an event or situation) constant and rapid change in economic circumstance— G. M. Trevelyan
b : state of affairs : eventuality open rebellion was a rare circumstance —often used in plural a victim of circumstances
c circumstances plural : situation with regard to wealth he was in easy circumstances rose from difficult circumstances
3 : attendant formalities and ritualistic display especially as contrasted with essential procedure pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war— William Shakespeare
4 : an event that constitutes a detail (as of a narrative or course of events) considering each circumstance in turn
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about circumstance

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Synonyms for circumstance

Synonyms

destiny, doom, fate, fortune, kismet, lot, portion

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Choose the Right Synonym for circumstance

occurrence, event, incident, episode, circumstance mean something that happens or takes place. occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan. an encounter that was a chance occurrence event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause. the events following the assassination incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance. a minor wartime incident episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident. a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background. couldn't recall the exact circumstances

Examples of circumstance in a Sentence

I can't imagine a circumstance in which I would do that. The circumstances of his death are suspicious. She says that her client is a victim of circumstance and should not be blamed for the accident. He was a victim of circumstances.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 The mind is kept captive not only by laziness or circumstance, but by external enemies who have already biochemically insinuated themselves. — Richard Cooke, The New Republic, "The conservative commentariat’s love affair with nootropics," 3 Sep. 2019 In 1858 Prince Albert unveiled a statue to Jenner in Trafalgar Square, amid much pomp and circumstance. — The Economist, "The original anti-vaxxers," 30 Aug. 2019 All that pomp and circumstance has a real impact on parliamentary businesses. — Erin Blakemore, National Geographic, "The dramatic history of prorogation in British parliament," 29 Aug. 2019 Creditors can ask the court to lift the stay under certain circumstances, but the standard for doing so is often difficult to meet. — Lindsey Simon, The Conversation, "Why companies file for bankruptcy – and how it protects both debtors and creditors," 29 Aug. 2019 Either idle or incomplete, the pipelines are not delivering gas, but the clauses allowed the companies to collect payments due to delays and circumstances beyond their control. — Sergio Chapa, Houston Chronicle, "AMLO: Mexico reaches deal for cross-border natural gas pipelines," 27 Aug. 2019 At times, the multi-instrumentalist-producer-songwriter with the joyous, flexible falsetto sounds like a much older, raspier vocalist on his fifth solo album, broken by time and circumstance. — Greg Kot, chicagotribune.com, "Review: Raphael Saadiq bears soulful witness to his family’s anguish on ‘Jimmy Lee’," 23 Aug. 2019 Probable cause refers to a finding that there are sufficient facts and circumstances to believe a crime occurred and that the defendant is responsible. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "The Consequences Patrick Chung Could Face For His Felony Cocaine Charge," 22 Aug. 2019 The movement’s leaders were arrested in neighboring Nigeria last year and taken into custody under circumstances marked by irregularities and controversies. — Amindeh Blaise Atabong, Quartz Africa, "Cameroon’s Anglophone separatist leaders have been jailed for life," 20 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'circumstance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of circumstance

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for circumstance

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin circumstantia, from circumstant-, circumstans, present participle of circumstare to stand around, from circum- + stare to stand — more at stand

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More Definitions for circumstance

circumstance

noun
How to pronounce circumstance (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of circumstance

: a condition or fact that affects a situation
: the way something happens : the specific details of an event
: an event or situation that you cannot control

See the full definition for circumstance in the English Language Learners Dictionary

circumstance

noun
cir·​cum·​stance | \ ˈsər-kəm-ˌstans How to pronounce circumstance (audio) \

Kids Definition of circumstance

1 : a fact or event that affects a situation Illness is the only circumstance that will excuse your absence.
2 circumstances plural : conditions at a certain time or place Under the circumstances, I think we did well.
3 circumstances plural : the way something happens Please explain the circumstances of the accident.
4 circumstances plural : the conditions in which someone lives “When the Lord puts us in certain circumstances He doesn't mean for us to imagine them away.”— Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
5 : an uncontrollable event or situation a victim of circumstance

circumstance

noun
cir·​cum·​stance

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