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

Nobody in his immediate circle knows that Bret is gay, enjoying regular dalliances with class pothead Matt (Owen Painter) and pining over Ryan (Daniel Dale). — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026

The race has drawn attention because both candidates have connections to Calvo, creating an unusual political dynamic for a mayor who campaigned on a promise to break from Hialeah’s traditional political circles. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026

Verb

And apparently, some of the locals are already circling the competition venues. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026

This team could deliver a surprise franchise transformation, like the Indianapolis Colts had before Daniel Jones suffered his season-ending Achilles injury in December, and Indianapolis’ season began to circle the drain. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026

Phrases Containing circle

• vicious circle