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
In a statement, an Axel Springer spokesperson clarified that The Circuit was technically incorporated in the US, with staff located around the world. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Between Thursday and Sunday, Russia fired almost 1,500 drones at Ukraine, and around 800 of them were jet-powered, Zelenskyy said. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Adverb
Stewart is trying to turn that around as consumer demand slows. — Michael Wayland, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026 Thin ankle straps secured the shoes in place while thin heels standing at around 2 to 3 inches rounded out the set. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
These leather lace-up sneakers have arch-supporting memory foam insoles and flexible outsoles for all-around comfort on long travel days. — Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025 Knocking down webs on your porch and around entries will encourage spiders to move on to somewhere else. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 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
  • The cutting should root in about a month and will require several hours of direct sunlight or a grow light each day to last through winter.
    — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Winner had a choice Johnson lives in Goldston and has taught middle school for about 20 years.
    — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of about
Adverb
  • Michael Mankins and Matthew Crupi want value maximization back as the objective, with stakeholder commitments as hard or soft constraints.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • This is where the episode finally loops back on itself, with the recruiter laying out a black hole on the ground, revealing the mall to be a kind of pocket universe.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of back
Adverb
  • Headline numbers rarely reflect the full structure of a deal, how much was cash at close versus earnout, versus seller financing spread over years.
    — Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Penalty on extra point moves Bishop Moore closer and the Hornets decide to go for two.
    — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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