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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
In the 1970s, higher gas taxes were politically dangerous but still taken seriously in key policy circles. Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 Move a single armchair, however, and the machine may spin in confused circles, trapped by its own digital blueprint. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 May 2026
Verb
Visitors have been struggling with overcrowding ahead of the busy summer season, with parking lots filling early, shuttle buses packed to capacity and drivers circling Yosemite Valley in search of spaces, The Los Angeles Times reported. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026 But even that comic tension threatens to rip as the painfully thin story repeatedly circles the same disputes without deepening them. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circle
Noun
  • The image of Brazil’s No 7 running rings around opposition defences — often literally — will forever be embedded in the nation’s collective memory.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • Putting a match in a cage told spectators that the mayhem couldn’t be contained within an ordinary wrestling ring.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • As her behavior becomes increasingly troubling and self-destructive, Bear realizes he’s trapped in her jealous loop, the only way out through death.
    Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 23 May 2026
  • Nearby were photos of Saint-Hilaire in happier times shown on an endless loop.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • What was once an eye-catching clique of wayward teens bathed in purple hues has metamorphosed into a barren hellscape rife with drug-smuggling cartels, pistol-packin’ pimps, sugar daddies with mummification kinks and online streamers.
    Marlow Stern, Variety, 24 May 2026
  • Tuchel does not want dressing-room cliques and has put a premium on having a unified group pulling in the same direction.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • Beekeepers now crisscross the country in semi-trucks to pollinate our crops, towing thousands of bee colonies from one blooming pasture to the next like cattle ranchers on wheels.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 May 2026
  • Accessibility Spier Hotel is designed to accommodate guests with mobility challenges, with wheel-chair accessible rooms and step-free access to key areas.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • The corridors and common areas are almost as memorable as the guest rooms.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 May 2026
  • Her shelves contained books on correct etiquette when entertaining (How to Do It, or, The Lively Art of Entertaining by Elsa Maxwell) and instructional books covering many areas of life, ranging from gardening and raising Siamese cats to keeping turtles.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
Verb
  • The characterful 850-year-old property is in the postcard-perfect town of Oberau, surrounded by pure air, pristine peaks, and crowd-free forest trails that inevitably propel guests towards a stress-busting nature immersion.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
  • Former Prince Andrew was absent from the lineup as he was stripped of his royal duties in 2019 amid controversy surrounding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
    Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
Verb
  • One of the three astronauts on the Shenzhou 23 mission is scheduled to stay at the orbiting space station for a year in what would be among the world’s longest single stays in space.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 May 2026
  • Tito orbited Earth 128 times and even did some science experiments.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • The gold detailing ties in perfectly with the rest of the apartment’s accents, while the geometric shape adds something a little more unique than a standard round mirror.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2026
  • Mike Vorkunov Bridges steady in win Remember when there were questions as to whether Bridges, the man traded for five first-round picks, should be starting?
    Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 24 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circle. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on circle

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster