circumstance

[sur-kuhm-stans, -stuhns] / ˈsɜr kəmˌstæns, -stəns /

NOUN

situation, condition

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accident action case cause coincidence crisis detail event fact factor fate incident matter occurrence status thing time

STRONG

adjunct affair article concern contingency destiny doom element episode exigency feature fortuity go happening happenstance intervention item juncture kismet lot occasion particular phase place point portion proviso respect scene stipulation supervention

WEAK

Moira where it's at

Antonyms

STRONGEST

plan

STRONG

whole

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

However, the pomp and circumstance of the signing, as well as the limited material consequences of the order has left those working for psychedelic reform divided on how to think about it.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026

And since losses from some of those shorts could be unlimited, the covering of those positions could trigger a stampede of buying, a circumstance known on Wall Street as a short squeeze.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

“Regardless of your economic circumstance, everybody wants to keep their cellphone on.”

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Jo Boydell, CEO of Travelodge, said: "I apologise to all of those people that have had a frightening circumstance."

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

I lay back on the sour straw and knew there was one more circumstance for which I could give thanks.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Vocabulary lists containing circumstance

List 8

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Around and Around: Circum

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Excerpt from "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"

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