circumstantial evidence

American  

noun

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

See Examples For:

circumstantial evidence

But plausible profiles can be constructed through circumstantial evidence, what we know about both nature and the lifestyle of Pompeiians, and where a survivor might have turned up later.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026

It may be too much of a stretch to tie all these pieces of circumstantial evidence together to make a solid case for Rinderknecht’s prosecution, said Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 4, 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

All around, she and others found circumstantial evidence of a changed man.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis