as in environment
the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded young, innovative artists thrive in the freewheeling milieu that a big city offers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word milieu distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of milieu are background, environment, mise-en-scène, and setting. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

Where would background be a reasonable alternative to milieu?

Although the words background and milieu have much in common, background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development.

the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots

When is it sensible to use environment instead of milieu?

The meanings of environment and milieu largely overlap; however, environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development.

the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents

In what contexts can mise-en-scène take the place of milieu?

While the synonyms mise-en-scène and milieu are close in meaning, mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect.

a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

When can setting be used instead of milieu?

The words setting and milieu can be used in similar contexts, but setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

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 milieu Along with the pre-show ads, the bourbon maker took part in a promotion last July at Comic-Con as well as a dinner in New York for online influencers, with the goal of melding the image of the spirit with the gritty intrigue of the show’s Gotham City milieu. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2024 The only human participant is the person who established the milieu. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024 But this gangland milieu is also a love story, as Tae-gu takes temporary refuge on the beautiful Jeju Island with an older mobster and his terminally ill niece, Jae-yeon (Jeon Yeo-been). Megan Vick, EW.com, 28 Sep. 2024 Town Square emerges as a complex social milieu with its own rules, and its own consequential choices. The New Yorker, 12 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for milieu 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for milieu
Noun
  • The goal of the Family Place Libraries program is to encourage libraries to be a family-friendly environment and transform them into community centers for literacy, early childhood development, parent education and engagement, family support and community information.
    Barbara D. Hathaway, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Stimulate technological innovation: A regulatory framework that supports an open market environment encourages the development and adoption of innovative building technologies.
    Ali Hoss, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Once the atmosphere responds to changes in oceanic temperature, more tropical rain tends to fall in Asia and Australia.
    Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
  • As the air passes over unfrozen waters, warmth and moisture move into the lowest portion of the atmosphere.
    Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • In the context of project management, this underscores the importance of risk management.
    Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2024
  • In the context of Herbert’s Dune, the multi-millennia-long conspiracy in human engineering necessary to yield a messianic hero of startling apocalyptic power sounds supercool, giving Paul a Chosen One stature of virtually unparalleled magnitude.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 17 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • This conservative-leaning economic report ranks states on business climate and economic performance.
    Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Drivers reportedly complained about touchscreen systems adding in at times annoying levels of friction to simple functions like climate control and music.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Mournful guitar and subdued harmonies surround, making this one of Nelson’s most evocative vocal renderings.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2024
  • Upgrading your entertainment system with the JBL Bar 1000, a soundbar that doesn't just include a powerful subwoofer, but also features two detachable surround speakers.
    Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 23 Oct. 2024

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Cite this Entry

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

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