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

But that’s Nolan, who’s always going to lead with his head and who even here circles around the sacking of Troy like the eventual sight of it will unlock all the anguish its protagonist feels but can’t express. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 July 2026

From dealing with symptom flare-ups and unrelenting fatigue to following strict medication schedules, managing a health condition that no one in your circle relates to can be incredibly isolating. — Katie Camero, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

Verb

While Babcock never coached in Columbus, many will probably have this date circled. — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 16 July 2026

So, if things don’t go well for New York/New Jersey on Sunday afternoon for the World Cup final, don’t be surprised if DFW is circled when the World Cup inevitably returns to the United States — possibly as soon as 2038. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026

Phrases Containing circle

• vicious circle