circumstantial evidence

noun

: evidence that tends to prove a fact by proving other events or circumstances which afford a basis for a reasonable inference of the occurrence of the fact at issue

Examples of circumstantial evidence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Material and circumstantial evidence was also studied. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 1 May 2026 The case relied largely on circumstantial evidence as well as a key piece of expert testimony that markings on the bombs were made by Genrich’s tools and could not have come from other tools. Katie Langford, Denver Post, 11 Apr. 2026 But the web of circumstantial evidence slowly unraveled. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026 In subsequent years, the fragile-looking web of circumstantial evidence kept trying to unravel. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for circumstantial evidence

Word History

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of circumstantial evidence was in 1679

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Cite this Entry

“Circumstantial evidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumstantial%20evidence. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

Legal Definition

circumstantial evidence

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