Synonyms

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.

Much has been made of the fact the evidence against Letby is circumstantial, but several interviewees point out the amount of circumstantial evidence is huge.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 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

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

Based on leads from informants and from circumstantial evidence, the private detectives began to develop a crystalline theory of the crime.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

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