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
These crimes unfolded inside the child’s closest circle, not at the hands of strangers. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026 The honor represents a full-circle moment for Fowler, who will tee it up Thursday at the 48th annual Arnold Palmer Invitational. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
After an exchange of words, the driver [Czaja] in a silver Buick Encore, allegedly circled the victim before hitting him and his car. Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026 Davis said that the suspect circled the bar several times in an SUV just before the shooting, stopped, and then fired a pistol from the car at those in front of the location. James Powel, USA Today, 1 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circle
Noun
  • Only 40 guests were invited to the wedding, including John’s cousin Anthony Radziwill (who served as his best man); John’s sister, Caroline Kennedy (Carolyn’s matron of honour), and her husband, Edwin Schlossberg; and their kids, Jack (the ring bearer), Rose and Tatiana (both flower girls).
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2026
  • The next thing the victim remembered after the restaurant was waking up completely naked in Steffens’ bed with a bright ring light shining at them and a laptop on the bed, almost like the room was set up for filming, the victim told police.
    Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Set up gentle boundaries during family talks to avoid old loops.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026
  • This gentle two-mile loop has forest views, scenic overlooks, and the chance to spot beavers or moose near the water.
    Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In the post-colonial era, Arab dictators established secular laws, but these legal systems favored the ruling clique.
    Anand Gopal, New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Their parties became notorious even in my own cliques; my parents knew to expect at least a few dozen teenagers crashing their party, sucking down all the noodles, and sneaking beers in the canyon down below.
    Natasha Pickowicz, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Engineers also conducted tuft testing on wheel fairings and panel gaps to validate real-world airflow against computer simulations, refining aerodynamic efficiency and vehicle fit.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Using the Subaru Telescope located at the summit of the extinct volcano Maunkea in Hawai'i, astronomers have captured a stunning image of a spiral galaxy that resembles a spinning cosmic wheel.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Not only are the beaches less crowded (but no less beautiful), the surrounding area is also strikingly green and mountainous—especially on the drive in from the airport.
    Annie Daly, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The neighborhood/area The immediate neighborhood around the resort doesn’t offer much beyond lush greenery, but drive about 15 minutes west to find the famous Alona Beach, a particularly scenic strip of sand bookended by dramatic rock walls.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • However, Little Foot’s skull, which became crushed as surrounding cave sediment grew heavier and shifted over time, has been difficult to study.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Staffers—from front desk employees to valet—never missed a beat and were full of helpful information both about the hotel, its offerings, and the surrounding area.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • These interactions act like cosmic snowballs, gradually reshaping the surfaces and structures of the orbiting bodies.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The Musk episode as a warning In 2025, during a public dispute over government contracts and regulatory matters, Elon Musk briefly threatened to decommission the Dragon spacecraft – the vehicle NASA relies on to transport astronauts to orbit.
    Svetla Ben-Itzhak, Space.com, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • During the most recent round of school board elections, for instance, 44 of 47 candidates endorsed by teacher unions won their elections.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 9 Mar. 2026
  • With 18 games remaining, the Lakers could still earn home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circle. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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