circle 1 of 2

Definition of circlenext
1
as in ring
something with a perfectly round circumference a circle of columns surrounds the memorial to the fallen heroes

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2
as in loop
a circular strip a decorative circle of silver on the rim of the commemorative plate for their 25th wedding anniversary

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3
4
as in wheel
a series of events or actions that repeat themselves regularly and in the same order with the birth of a child coming so soon after the death of a grandparent, we were once again reminded of the circle of life

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5

circle

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to orbit
to travel completely around with a look of extreme frustration, the commander circled the new recruit

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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 circle
Noun
People would get together and have a prayer circle, and they’re allowed to hold hands. Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2026 Sahlins and Close were friends and the improv-sketch divide was never absolute in Chicago comedy circles. Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
The director’s onscreen role is to be the ultimate swing vote, constantly circling a position before another informed voice brings him back to neutrality and the inquiry starts all over again. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2026 Two helicopters circled overhead. Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circle
Noun
  • Known as the Mirzoyan-Terdjanian crime ring, defendants received one- to three-year sentences for racketeering, health care fraud and money laundering.
    William La Jeunesse, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Meantime, a controversy arose last week surrounding the mysterious capture in Mexico of Ryan Wedding, the former Canadian Olympic snowboarder who faces federal charges in California of running a billion-dollar drug-trafficking ring.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The warehouse completes a full closed-loop auto-material flow system that moves information on raw materials, panels, parts, garments and final shipments seamlessly through the production logic model.
    Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Sweeney also opted for a more laidback loop in other photos, wearing a pink SYRN shirt with an Eastie top and yellow SYRN underwear.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • What began as a search for community and understanding turned into an experience that felt akin to the cliques and social hierarchies of high school.
    Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Maryland federal prosecutors have indicted six MS-13 members in recent months, including the alleged leader of the Centrales Locos Salvatrucha (CLS) clique of the gang in the Baltimore area.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Submitted The post with Tabron's desperate plea for someone brave with a 4-wheel drive vehicle was shared dozens of times.
    Erica Mokay, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • New regulations had to be introduced for every step, from the number of wheels on the landing module to charging certification and even a bespoke pilot qualification.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The hearing also prompted an admission from the FAA that the air traffic control tower failed to warn the regional jet pilots of helicopter traffic in the immediate area.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
  • For example, the higher estimates for the infamous August 2013 East Ghoutta chemical weapons attack, which saw sarin nerve gas unleashed on an urban civilian area, are 1,500 dead.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But within the past few months, amid controversy surrounding the polarizing presence of ICE agents in American cities, the former chart-topper has embraced right-wing political leanings — and has lost a slew of fans in the process.
    Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Canadian national team skeleton coach Joe Cecchini has spoken out about the sudden national controversy surrounding his team's decision to withdraw athletes from an Olympic qualifier, costing American Katie Uhlaender a chance to make the Milan Cortina Winter Games.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The four astronauts will lift off from Nasa’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and spend the first two days orbiting the Earth, testing their life-support systems.
    The Week, TheWeek, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The budget would preserve NASA missions to Venus, Uranus and the Habitable Worlds Observatory that are meant to search for life on planets orbiting nearby stars, as well as the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which is slated for launch next year.
    Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The small round dish can be used for all sorts of culinary delights, from baking single-serve cakes to roasting garlic.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Video footage shows the officer, identified in court records from a prior incident as Jonathan Ross, fired three rounds at the car as Good started to drive away.
    Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circle. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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