as in detailed
including many small descriptive features
the circumstantial account of his surgery told us more than we really wanted to know about the stomach
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 circumstantial
The finding that follicular fluid contained more microplastics than semen may be circumstantial, Gómez-Sánchez added, because the study group was small.
—
Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
The evidence against Clair was largely circumstantial, including a claim by Clair’s ex-girlfriend who testified that Clair had shown her items taken from the house during the killing.
—Sean Emery, Oc Register, 2 June 2025
The evidence was mainly circumstantial, focusing on Linda's actions before and after the fire.
—Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 20 May 2025
Frederick’s defense argued the evidence at play was circumstantial at best, per the outlet.
—Nicole Acosta, People.com, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for circumstantial
Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
The evidence against Clair was largely circumstantial, including a claim by Clair’s ex-girlfriend who testified that Clair had shown her items taken from the house during the killing.
—Sean Emery, Oc Register, 2 June 2025
The evidence was mainly circumstantial, focusing on Linda's actions before and after the fire.
—Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 20 May 2025
Frederick’s defense argued the evidence at play was circumstantial at best, per the outlet.
—Nicole Acosta, People.com, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for circumstantial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumstantial
Adjective
-
For the most detailed and accurate soil tests, send your samples to a soil lab.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Together the trio will execute their detailed schemes.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Our department is committed to a thorough and impartial review.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Sep. 2025
-
There were too many instances of big plays that could have been prevented had the initial tackle attempt been successful, and at the very least, a more thorough attempt would have helped slow the ball carrier down.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
As a result of the one-off costs, the company said its now expect full-year operating profit growth of 4% to 10% at constant exchange rates, down from the 10% to 16% outlined in its second-quarter results in August.—
Karen Gilchrist,Katrina Bishop,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
-
A lot of true crime content is salacious and gory, full of reenactments and shock.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Circumstantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumstantial. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share