circumstantial evidence

American  

noun

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

"It was the DNA evidence, as our prosecution barrister highlighted, that glued all of that circumstantial evidence together to build such a strong case that led to his guilty plea," Gray said.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

Like a criminal trial with no eyewitnesses, the prosecution of the “Queens of Combat” question relies on a cistern’s worth of circumstantial evidence, which may or may not add up to a case.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 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

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