circle 1 of 2

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
Necas sent a pass to him near the top of the right circle on the rush. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025 Faceoffs continue to be an issue This is not a shock because the Wild are perennially one of the league’s worst in the faceoff circle. Michael Russo, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
The plane circled while the President’s men hashed out the language. Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025 In a memorable final walkthrough, Odhiang broke from the traditional lineup, circling the runway to give the audience one last sweeping look—ending with a warm embrace for Blazy, marking his powerful debut. Mecca Pryor, Essence, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circle
Noun
  • Orlando Bloom‘s boxing feature is set to enter the ring with its streaming debut.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Nicely Done Kelefa Sanneh’s essay about how music critics have become too nice rings true to me (A Critic at Large, September 1st & 8th).
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The bottoms also have flat rivets at the back and watch pocket, single needle stitching construction, back darter risers, and three-point belt loops for a sleek look.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The new design also features a backstrap, clip, and metal loop rivet, giving fans multiple ways to personalize their look.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • His campaign already claims 6,000 volunteers and his town hall appearances have drawn large crowds.
    NPR, NPR, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Police say Balmer broke in through the southern wing of the residence, into a room often used to entertain crowds and display art.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • 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, 11 Oct. 2025
  • His hockey sense and vision appear to be off the charts, and his wheels are something altogether different.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Here’s the Week 8 schedule for Fort Worth-area high school football teams.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The percentage indicates how much of the fire perimeter has been surrounded by a control line.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The scene is surrounded by restaurants, hotels and public beach access.
    Jay Cannon, USA Today, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The 2026 budget proposal would specifically see 41 science projects cancelled — a third of NASA's science portfolio, according to the Planetary Society — including the Mars Sample Return program and the Jupiter-orbiting Juno probe.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Heller is more concerned about how close the moon would have to orbit around WASP-39b to avoid being stripped away by the star.
    Nola Taylor Tillman, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • General Catalyst and Flourish Ventures led the round and were joined by Coinbase Ventures, Sancus Ventures, Enlight Capital, and others.
    Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • An unexpected winner from this round robin of renos is the W Union Square (from $650), which celebrated the completion of its $100 million renovation spearheaded by the Rockwell Group this September.
    Jake Emen, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circle. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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