environment

noun

in-ˈvī-rə(n)-mənt How to pronounce environment (audio)
Definition of environmentnext
as in surroundings
the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded the joys of growing up in the environment that a small town offers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word environment distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of environment are background, milieu, mise-en-scène, and setting. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development.

the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents

When is it sensible to use background instead of environment?

The meanings of background and environment largely overlap; however, background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development.

the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots

When is milieu a more appropriate choice than environment?

In some situations, the words milieu and environment are roughly equivalent. However, milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

When might mise-en-scène be a better fit than environment?

While in some cases nearly identical to environment, mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect.

a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

When could setting be used to replace environment?

While the synonyms setting and environment are close in meaning, setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of environment Hats and head coverings can also create a damp environment for bacteria or fungi to grow, which can lead to infections that may cause hair loss. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 14 July 2025 Architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood followed National Park Service guidelines that required buildings to represent their surrounding environment. —Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025 That's because these environments often allot the same physical CPU or GPU to multiple users. —ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025 Some of the 50-plus people who spoke to BBC News also contributed to the Banijay inquiry, describing incidents that happened across a range of shows Wallace featured on, but also in environments like night clubs and award ceremonies. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for environment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for environment
  1. atmosphere
  2. climate
  3. surround
  4. context
Noun
  • With only six months left before implementation, one wonders: Will it be further delayed? Forests play a critical role in absorbing carbon from the atmosphere.
    — Simi Thambi​, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • The drink embodies the elated atmosphere of watching the band play live, says Panis.
    — Logan Holland, People.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • Are Nectarines and Peaches Seasonal Fruit? Peaches and nectarines have been cultivated for growth in a wide variety of climates and regions across the globe.
    — Hannah Coakley, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025
  • The investing climate is largely rewarding risk—and most investors are happy to accept the gains.
    — Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of climate
Noun
  • Other key features include a Sonos surround system and Lutron automatic blinds throughout, plus raised garden beds set alongside an irrigated yard and plants.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 8 July 2025
  • Both add tone-on-tone details including wood panels on the doors and dash, narrow slashes of chrome and a rose gold surround on the floating center console which nicely sets it apart from the storage bin beneath.
    — Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Definition of surround
Noun
  • The function of an obituary is to situate its subject’s life and work in historical context.
    — John Darnielle, Pitchfork, 24 July 2025
  • And time, in the context of cognitive health, is everything.
    — Jon Stojan, USA Today, 24 July 2025
Definition of context

Browse Nearby Words

environing
environment
environments
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Environment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/environment. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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