around 1 of 3

preposition

Definition of aroundnext
1
as in near
close to I wouldn't stand around those rocks—there could be snakes under them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in throughout
in random positions within the boundaries of huge, strangely shaped rocks were scattered around the canyon floor

Synonyms & Similar Words

around

2 of 3

adverb

ə-ˈrau̇nd How to pronounce around (audio)
1
as in about
on all sides or in every direction he looked around butterflies were flying all around

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in back
toward the opposite direction she turned around and saw him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in close
at, within, or to a short distance or time our dog usually stays around our yard he'll be getting in around 6:00

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in through
from beginning to end a team that plays all year around

Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in approximately
close to but not exactly there's around a hundred books still left to be packed in boxes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in everywhere
in one place and another while typewriters can still be seen around, they are no longer the common office fixtures they once were

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

around

3 of 3

adjective

as in existing
having being at the present time she's generally regarded as one of the most talented singers around

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 around
Preposition
The third round of Premier League matches brought yet more controversy, including an unpunished kick to the head in a London derby and confusion around a goal disallowed for handball. — Graham Scott, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Adverb
That time around, the Broncos led by a touchdown in the fourth quarter but lost 37-34 thanks to an Oregon field goal as time expired. — Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2026 His family lived in Monticello, a former ranching community of around 300 people in Napa County that dated to the mid-19th century. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
The footbed is also treated with an antimicrobial shield, and the forefoot features plush cushioning for all-around comfort. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026 But the around 2,000-year-old religion had a noticeable expansion of its presence in Detroit during the rise of the auto industry. — Julia Avant, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for around
Recent Examples of Synonyms for around
  1. near
  2. throughout
  3. about
  4. back
  5. close
  6. through
  7. approximately
  8. everywhere
Preposition
  • The 583rd Missile Maintenance Squadron completed the refurbishment on August 18 near Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Burgum said excavation would begin during the next two weeks at Memorial Circle near Arlington National Cemetery.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of near
Preposition
  • There are water stations scattered throughout the grounds too.
    — Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Not just muscles throughout their bodies, but tissues in their bones, liver, and brain.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of throughout
Adverb
  • At about midnight, the mayflies stopped flying and the fish disappeared.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Karina, a former Category 4 hurricane spinning about 755 miles east-northeast of Hilo, Hawaii, and Tropical Storm Marie, churning about 705 miles west of the southern tip of Baja California.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of about
Adverb
  • Bouwman went in to clear a bouncing ball with his head before Van Bommel jumped into the challenge and his back connected with force with the Netherlands youth international in the air.
    — Ali Rampling, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Boox teased the Picco, its take on the buzzy Xteink X4 e-reader, back in July, but provided almost no details.
    — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of back
Adverb
  • Over the past few days, the people at the front of the lines have gradually moved closer and closer to the courtroom, to the point where the doors can barely open without bumping into a throng of people.
    — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
  • One minute, the Cardinals led 4-0 with two outs in the ninth and an All-Star closer (Riley O’Brien) on the mound.
    — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of close
Adverb
  • When combined with a hot blanket of the humidity the city has endured throughout the summer, players could be forced to withdraw from their matches or push through, risking injury.
    — Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The next World Cup, which will have one match in Argentina (as well as one each in Paraguay and Uruguay) before being primarily hosted in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, would see Messi turn 43 midway through.
    — Colin Millar, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of through
Adverb
  • Authorities are seeking the confiscation of four luxury vehicles worth approximately 825,000 euros, or about $957,000.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The epicenter was approximately 3 miles northeast of Willits, above sea level.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of approximately
Adverb
  • The 207 rooms and suites, all with furnished balconies, were given the Martin Brudnizki treatment, which means Palm Beach’s unofficial uniform of pink and green appears everywhere—alongside wicker, florals, palms, and just enough pattern.
    — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • An early Season 4 win in Los Angeles gave the team its first real jolt of confidence, though gaps remained everywhere.
    — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of everywhere

Phrases Containing around

Browse Nearby Words

arose
around
around the bend
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Around.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/around. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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