Synonyms of circle

circle 1 of 2

noun

ˈsər-kəl 

1

as in ring

something with a perfectly round circumference

a circle of columns surrounds the memorial to the fallen heroes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ring
• round
• orb
• roundel
• loop
• oval
• ellipse
• cirque
• sphere
• ball
• globe
• circlet
• ringlet

2

as in loop

a circular strip

a decorative circle of silver on the rim of the commemorative plate for their 25th wedding anniversary

Synonyms & Similar Words

• loop
• hoop
• ring
• band
• round
• belt
• wreath
• eye
• coil
• collar
• girdle
• spiral
• curl
• whorl
• cincture
• spire
• twirl
• hank
• annulet
• becket
• furl

3

as in clique

a group of people sharing a common interest and relating together socially

got together with her social circle once a week

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clique
• crowd
• network
• community
• pack
• bunch
• clan
• gang
• coven
• fold
• ring
• coterie
• body
• club
• organization
• set
• tribe
• lot
• commune
• guild
• society
• galère
• klatch
• side
• fraternity
• in-group
• faction
• elite
• camp
• college
• league
• closed shop
• squad
• sect
• brotherhood
• charmed circle
• fellowship
• coalition
• sorority
• bloc
• sisterhood
• union
• mess
• alliance
• federation
• council
• order
• confederation
• sodality
• congress

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• individualist
• loner

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• wheel
• cycle
• round
• course
• pattern
• merry-go-round
• zodiac
• series
• progression
• loop
• syndrome
• rotation
• turn
• development
• chain
• train
• ring
• sequence
• circuit
• run
• revolution
• turnover
• string
• succession
• beat

5

as in area

a region of activity, knowledge, or influence

that lies outside the circle of our investigation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• area
• element
• sphere
• realm
• walk
• field
• domain
• department
• kingdom
• front
• terrain
• territory
• specialty
• province
• arena
• discipline
• game
• precinct
• business
• line
• firmament
• fief
• study
• bailiwick
• barony
• fiefdom
• subject
• demesne
• confine
• scope
• frontier
• pursuit
• profession
• turf
• width
• compass
• reach
• vocation
• occupation
• sweep
• racket
• extent
• amplitude
• breadth
• ambit
• subfield
• subspecialty
• ken
• dimension(s)

circle

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to surround

to form a circle around

everyone circled the lectern and waited their turn to read from the Bible

Synonyms & Similar Words

• surround
• encircle
• ring
• encompass
• enclose
• compass
• embrace
• gird
• wall
• girdle
• fence (in)
• wreathe
• environ
• circumscribe
• hem (in)
• swarm
• close in
• beset
• cordon (off)
• entrench
• besiege
• invest

2

as in to orbit

to travel completely around

with a look of extreme frustration, the commander circled the new recruit

Synonyms & Similar Words

• orbit
• encircle
• traverse
• round
• circuit
• ring
• cross
• compass
• circumvent
• circumnavigate
• girdle
• circumambulate
• perambulate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of circle

Noun

Seats were placed around the circle for visitors to witness firsthand the ancient drumming, chants, and intertribal dances carried by the wind and heard nearly two miles away, at the lakefront’s Geo-Karis State Park. — Gregory Harutunian, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

As for London, the role marks a full-circle moment for her and Snoop who worked together in the early 2000s on various music videos. — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026

Verb

Still fairly discounted in drafts, Brooks is someone to circle on your cheat sheet. — Jess Bryant, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Conversations can be indirect due to details being swept under the rug, as someone could be choosing to circle around a particular issue, rather than confronting it head-on. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing circle

• vicious circle