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

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2025

He has always denied the charges and, other than circumstantial evidence, investigators have struggled to build a case.

From BBC • Sep. 22, 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