Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective circumstantial differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of circumstantial are detailed, minute, and particular. While all these words mean "dealing with a matter fully and usually point by point," circumstantial implies fullness of detail that fixes something described in time and space.

a circumstantial account of our visit

When could detailed be used to replace circumstantial?

The meanings of detailed and circumstantial largely overlap; however, detailed stresses abundance or completeness of detail.

a detailed analysis of the event

When is minute a more appropriate choice than circumstantial?

In some situations, the words minute and circumstantial are roughly equivalent. However, minute implies close and searching attention to the smallest details.

a minute examination of a fossil

When can particular be used instead of circumstantial?

The synonyms particular and circumstantial are sometimes interchangeable, but particular implies a precise attention to every detail.

a particular description of the scene of the crime

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 circumstantial In Montana the group of us that had become a circumstantial trail family rolled along and gradually picked up other hikers: Quickham, Smokey, and finally Recon. Jac Mitchell, Outdoor Life, 19 Sep. 2024 Part of this stance might owe to circumstantial factors, such as a politician's military background or large military constituency. Bret Stephens, Foreign Affairs, 5 Feb. 2013 The evidence against Isaac was circumstantial, Minnesota Chief Justice Natalie Hudson said in her opinion. April Baumgarten, Twin Cities, 2 Aug. 2024 Is that type of recognition meaningful or totally circumstantial? Circumstantial. Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for circumstantial 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstantial
Adjective
  • Once all of these measurements were combined, the researchers were able to create a detailed, global map of free electrons in the ionosphere.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024
  • However, that came to a crashing halt last week when a relative came forward and detailed years of molestation in the 1990s, including after Torres turned 18 and the victim was underage.
    Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Preparing your workforce for AI starts with a thorough understanding of the organization’s current capabilities.
    Cory McNeley, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • This can lead to liver thorough cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).20 Kidney damage: The kidneys depend on the heart for proper blood flow and pressure.
    Alexandria Nyembwe, PhD, RN, Health, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Lacey Reynolds, a junior at UT and president of the Onyx Honor Society — UT's first and only Black honors society — said Tuesday's event had more than 500 people in attendance with four full overflow rooms.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The encounter is deeply uncomfortable, all the more so because each man has taken the full measure of the other.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near circumstantial

Cite this Entry

“Circumstantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstantial. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on circumstantial

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