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 water in the Rhine and Meuse rivers is unusually warm at around 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 Celsius), and there are reports of blue-green algae spreading and fish dying. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 21 July 2026 The speakers compared observations around digital fatigue and the importance of in-person connection during a sit-down brunch on Pinterest Beach. — Vogue Business, Vogue, 21 July 2026
Adverb
The country’s garment sector contributes about 11% of gross domestic product and employs around 4 million workers. — Al Emrun Garjon, Fortune, 19 July 2026 The Padres’ odds of turning this season around are getting longer by the day. — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026
Adjective
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 This constant barking can make dog owners feel frustrated and guilty, especially when neighbors are around to hear it. — Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 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
  • With more than 93,000 women released from North Carolina state prisons and county jails annually, few homes like the one near Charlotte’s Sugaw Creek neighborhood exist.
    — Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
  • On a warm July afternoon near Fairbanks, a volunteer with the Alaska Bee Atlas kneels beside a patch of blooming fireweed, gently sweeping a net through the air.
    — Timothy Bundy, Washington Post, 17 July 2026
Definition of near
Preposition
  • Argentina still trailed after 75 minutes, but Messi and his teammates were very much in the game and have shown throughout this World Cup that they cannot be counted out.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • Iron is a building block for hemoglobin, a protein in your blood that is required for the production of the red blood cells that deliver oxygen throughout our bodies.
    — Fiorella Valdesolo, Allure, 15 July 2026
Definition of throughout
Adverb
  • The earthquake's epicenter was about 9 miles east of Willows and occurred at a depth of 19 miles.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2026
  • As Brown’s children became involved in sports and other activities in a larger city about 25 to 30 minutes away, the long drive began to take its toll.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
Definition of about
Adverb
  • But as Melendrez turned to leave empty-handed, Chin looked up from behind the counter, smiled, and waved him back.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Argentina in then out of the World Cup then dramatically back in again.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of back
Adverb
  • From her home in Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, northwestern Ontario, the smoke appeared close.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Joe McCarthy carried the ball strongly and Josh van der Flier went close before McCarthy managed to drive over the line.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
Definition of close
Adverb
  • Cover the pan briefly while searing to help the meat heat through without drying out.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 15 July 2026
  • The regime wants to charge tolls for the tankers passing through.
    — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 15 July 2026
Definition of through
Adverb
  • Filmed on special high-resolution IMAX film, Nolan spent approximately $3 million on 2 million feet of raw physical film stock on the nearly three-hour retelling of the ancient Greek poem.
    — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026
  • Snooz recommends enjoying the ice cream approximately 1 to 2 hours before bedtime, according to the brand’s website.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026
Definition of approximately
Adverb
  • Today it’s used everywhere, from therapy offices to corporate retreats to seminary classrooms—and, of course, all over your social media feed.
    — Christina Pérez, Vogue, 17 July 2026
  • For more on Matt Damon and The Odyssey, pick up this week’s issue of PEOPLE, available everywhere Friday.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 17 July 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 22 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of around for Spanish Speakers

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