Definitions

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.

Appeared in the May 14, 2026, print edition as 'Pomp Before Circumstance in China Trip'.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

The programme will conclude with the traditional medley of sea shanties, Pomp and Circumstance and Auld Lang Syne.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Composer Edward Elgar may be best known today as the accompaniment to every graduation ceremony with Pomp and Circumstance, but he was also a fan of cryptographic arts.

From Salon • Oct. 11, 2021

Mediterranean plates will be provided by the nearby restaurant Pomp & Circumstance.

From New York Times • Aug. 3, 2021

Or just that she was a Special Circumstance?

From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld

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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