adj · noun · 7 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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General-American:/səɹ.kəmˈstænʃəl/
UK:/səːkəmˈstanʃəl/
Southern-England:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:S ER2 K AH0 M S T AE1 N SH AH0 L
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
adj
Meaning 1
Pertaining to or dependent on circumstances, especially as opposed to essentials; incidental, not essential.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
adj
Meaning 2
Involving evidence that relies on inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact, thus, suggesting guilt but not directly proving it.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: law
Examples
It is unlikely he will be convicted; the evidence against him is circumstantial at best.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
adj
Meaning 3
Abounding with minor circumstances; in great detail; particular.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
adj
Meaning 4
Full of circumstance or pomp; ceremonial.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
noun
Meaning 5
Something incidental to the main subject, but of less importance.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: in-plural
Examples
the circumstantials of religion
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: essential
6
noun
Meaning 6
An adjunct or circumstant.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
