circumstantial evidence

American

noun

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

circumstantial evidence British

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of circumstantial evidence

First recorded in 1730–40

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.

Five witnesses gave indirect circumstantial evidence that supported Murley's claim he was not taken seriously.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2026

A chronology of top quarterback movement in recent days provides circumstantial evidence that Louisiana State and Williams have mutual interest.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 12, 2025

As in other cases for which Letby was convicted, the prosecution said circumstantial evidence also tied her to the crime.

From BBC • Aug. 11, 2025

Juries were thus free to reach decisions on the basis of circumstantial evidence if they chose to.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023