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
  • Classic '90s placements Perhaps driven by the current ’90s and ’00s pop-culture renaissance—and all the cool, famous girlies on TikTok declaring the return of all things Y2K—belly-button rings and tongue piercings are embarking on their own comeback tour.
    Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 24 Jan. 2026
  • So, soak it in, wrestling fans, because this could very well be the final week of AJ Styles’ in-ring career.
    Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This creates an uncomfortable loop.
    Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
  • The main changes occur on the upper, which swaps out the shoe’s usual ballistic nylon for a full-leather construction that extends to the lace loops, heel tabs and tongues.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 24 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
  • Within two hours, she was found dead, her body surrounded by dingoes, wild Australian native dogs that roam freely on K’gari, a national park famous for its natural beauty off the country’s eastern coast.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, created in 1942, encompasses most of the historic town of Coloma, with about 200 year-round residents in the surrounding area.
    Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 24 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 29 Jan. 2026.

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