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
From ayahuasca circles and mail-order ketamine lozenges to off-label peptide injections, IV drips and longevity treatments, there’s a seemingly infinite number of ways to look and feel better that people will swear by in this town. Shelby Hartman, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 They are promoted widely in wellness and longevity circles for injury recovery, muscle growth, skin health, metabolism and more. Will Stone, NPR, 8 July 2026
Verb
As the boy backs away, the family's husky mix, Bella, is seen running over from across the yard and chasing the bear away, circling behind the animal and placing itself in between the bear and the boy. Mason Leib, ABC News, 7 July 2026 What the Research Would Have Predicted The management literature has been circling this insight for a long time. Luis E. Romero, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circle
Noun
  • One ring found Thursday was engraved with characters believed to be Bhrami script, an ancient Indian writing system.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • Scientists connected multiple electrical contacts around each microscopic ring and tracked how electrical signals moved between them.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • The rules would restrict data center water use by requiring closed loop cooling systems, and would increase set back requirements to put more space between data center buildings and nearby homes and businesses.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2026
  • Called Kamo‘oalewa, the space rock loops by Earth, coming as close as 9 million miles and as far as 25 million miles from our planet.
    Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • Since its inception, social media has been a proving ground for tween fashion and identity, offering under-16s a digital canvas to experiment with their style and form online cliques around niche interests.
    Sophie Lou Wilson, Vogue, 2 July 2026
  • Shen wondered whether there was a random model that could produce clique-free colorings more efficiently than Erdős’ approach.
    Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Only when McDaniels parlayed that into a head-coaching gig with the Raiders before the ’22 season, the wheels came off.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 July 2026
  • Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • The warning sign against Japan came when Casemiro picked up a yellow card in the 14th minute for a clumsy foul on the edge of the area.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Wildlife officials caught and euthanized two alligators in the area, which measured 12 feet and 13 feet.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Workers were ordered to evacuate, along with occupants in nine surrounding buildings, including a private school, a Westin hotel, and the Israeli consulate.
    Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 8 July 2026
  • Altadena horticulturist Leigh Adams said Boyle Heights plants and produce already live in a difficult environment, surrounded by industrial warehouses that spread contaminants daily.
    Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • The space agency shared a video showing fireworks over Los Angeles as seen from the Earth-orbiting outpost.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • SpaceX launched a passel of satellites to orbit early Tuesday morning (July 7).
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • Rookie first-round pick Cameron Carr, limited earlier by a toenail issue, added 18 points on efficient seven-for-13 shooting as the Lakers’ young core continues auditioning in Las Vegas.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • The rifle contained one spent cartridge casing and three unfired rounds, which were each engraved with messages, said Sergeant Jennifer Faumuina, an investigator with the State Bureau of Investigation called to testify by prosecutors.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circle. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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