What is a synonym for context?

Here are some synonyms for "context", depending on the specific meaning you're trying to convey:

General:

* Circumstances

* Environment

* Situation

* Setting

* Background

* Framework

* Perspective

* Point of view

For written or spoken communication:

* Surrounding text

* Passage

* Discourse

* Textual environment

For a specific topic or issue:

* Field

* Domain

* Area

* Sphere

For a person's understanding:

* Frame of reference

* Understanding

* Knowledge

It's best to choose the synonym that most closely matches the intended meaning of "context" in your specific situation.