as in swirling
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1
as in surrounding
to form a circle around
everyone circled the lectern and waited their turn to read from the Bible
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in orbiting
to travel completely around
with a look of extreme frustration, the commander circled the new recruit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of circling
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
The 2025 Galaxy XCover7 Pro enhances the rugged lineup with Circle to Search functionality, allowing field workers to instantly research tools or parts on-site by simply circling them on the screen.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
As a 10-day moon-circling mission, Artemis II primarily serves as a test flight, with the four-person crew testing systems and hardware ahead of a future landing.
—Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 31 Mar. 2026
Republicans in Arizona, where Kirk’s Turning Point USA organization is based, passed legislation attempting to add Kirk’s name to Loop 202, a highway circling through the sprawling Phoenix area.
—David A. Lieb, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Alex Tuch set it up by circling the Islanders net and feeding Krebs in front for a one-timer.
—ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
Christian Bale had reportedly been circling the project, which will be directed by Scott Cooper.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives may be on a production pause, but news circling the series’ cast has not slowed down.
—Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
Your 12th House of Inner Worlds hums as the Moon grumbles at combative Mars in your philosophical 9th house, making private worries flare when big debates start circling.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
As a 10-day moon-circling mission, Artemis II primarily serves as a test flight, with the four-person crew testing systems and hardware ahead of a future landing.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
The 2025 Galaxy XCover7 Pro enhances the rugged lineup with Circle to Search functionality, allowing field workers to instantly research tools or parts on-site by simply circling them on the screen.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
As a 10-day moon-circling mission, Artemis II primarily serves as a test flight, with the four-person crew testing systems and hardware ahead of a future landing.
—Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 31 Mar. 2026
Republicans in Arizona, where Kirk’s Turning Point USA organization is based, passed legislation attempting to add Kirk’s name to Loop 202, a highway circling through the sprawling Phoenix area.
—David A. Lieb, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Alex Tuch set it up by circling the Islanders net and feeding Krebs in front for a one-timer.
—ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
Christian Bale had reportedly been circling the project, which will be directed by Scott Cooper.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives may be on a production pause, but news circling the series’ cast has not slowed down.
—Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
Your 12th House of Inner Worlds hums as the Moon grumbles at combative Mars in your philosophical 9th house, making private worries flare when big debates start circling.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circling
Adjective
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Scientists have now made this possible by creating optical tornadoes (also called optical vortices)—tiny, swirling structures of light inside a microscopic system.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Mar. 2026
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Fincke identified himself late last month as the one who was sick to end the swirling public speculation.—
Ben Kelly,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Eco effort The resort has officially banned a long list of items with potential to harm the surrounding environment, from Styrofoam to plastic straws.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
How Mecklenburg salaries compare to other NC counties Salaries for Mecklenburg County employees outpace some of the region’s smaller surrounding counties and other major metropolitan areas.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The four-person crew is currently orbiting Earth before beginning a four-day trip to the moon.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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After that, the Artemis II crew members will spend the following 23 hours or so testing all of Orion’s systems while orbiting Earth.—
Charlie Gile,
NBC news,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Whether it’s glazed, smoked, or spiral sliced, serving ham on Easter Sunday is a tradition in many households.—
Katie Riley,
Southern Living,
31 Mar. 2026
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Robots move more precisely The robot was tasked with reaching multiple target points and following complex paths, including shapes like a pentagon, spiral, and curves.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Our beautiful encircling topography of mountains and hills is a bowl ready-made by ancient plate tectonics to be filled with smoke and smog.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
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The rooms Spread over a handful of buildings encircling the central courtyard, Aleenta Retreat's 44 rooms range from spacious deluxe rooms with lounge-y balconies to two-story residences with two bedrooms and a small private courtyard with a plunge pool.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The bridge connects Chinatown with Dodger Stadium, traversing the 110.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Her accompanying tour is her longest headline run yet, traversing North America, Europe and the UK.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Violent confrontations targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota are being driven by outside actors exploiting chaos, not organic protest, according to a protest insider warning that the situation is rapidly spiraling.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Demonstrations broke out over the near-collapse of the rial and spiraling economic conditions but grew to become a larger movement against the regime.—
Sara Dorn,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In November 2021, Bailey was crossing Saratoga while the pedestrian signal was green.—
Chevall Pryce,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Apr. 2026
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Some honor the transient nature of spring – like the student shows celebrating 2026 graduates crossing the finish line.—
Anya Sesay,
jsonline.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Circling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circling. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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