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

See Examples For:

circumstantial evidence

The prosecutors built much of their case on circumstantial evidence.

From Slate ● Sep. 17, 2026

As investigators awaited the results of the DNA test, they gathered circumstantial evidence.

From Slate ● Sep. 17, 2026

"We know that the defendant is the shooter… first, because of the video evidence; second, because of the DNA; third, because of his admissions; and fourth, because of circumstantial evidence," McBride said.

From BBC ● Sep. 2, 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

When Quintilian says that circumstantial evidence can take the place of a witness, later lawyers took him as authorizing it to be considered as half of a complete proof.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton