circumstantial evidence

American  

noun

1. proof of facts offered as evidence from which other facts are to be inferred (contrasted with direct evidence).

---

circumstantial evidence British  

noun

1. indirect evidence that tends to establish a conclusion by inference Compare direct evidence

---

Etymology

Origin of circumstantial evidence

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

But as it stands that remains a feeling - circumstantial evidence at best - and the first minister's denials were categorical.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2026

“It is like circumstantial evidence in a Sherlock Holmes mystery,” said Slok.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 12, 2025

Bill Essayli presented a list of circumstantial evidence they said linked him to the fire.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2025

Her remains were found in January, but Tauscher said the medical examiner’s office had to make its conclusion based on circumstantial evidence because the condition of Hamilton’s remains complicated the identification.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 25, 2025

There was a lot of circumstantial evidence, but actually those two witnesses were the entire case for the prosecution.

From "Twelve Angry Men" by Reginald Rose