circumstantial evidence

American  

noun

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

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circumstantial evidence British  

noun

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

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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

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

It remained an educated guess based on logic and circumstantial evidence and was largely ignored by medical professionals.

From "An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793" by Jim Murphy