1
2
as in loops
a circular strip
a decorative circle of silver on the rim of the commemorative plate for their 25th wedding anniversary
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in networks
a group of people sharing a common interest and relating together socially
got together with her social circle once a week
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in cycles
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
as in areas
a region of activity, knowledge, or influence
that lies outside the circle of our investigation
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in surrounds
to form a circle around
everyone circled the lectern and waited their turn to read from the Bible
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in orbits
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.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Recent Examples of circles
Essence Wiley,
InStyle,
26 June 2026
The case reignited debate over corruption in Moroccan political circles.
—
ABC News,
26 June 2026
The nurse rubs circles on her lower back, clucking at the struggle of turning the pregnant body to the side like a lopsided gourd.
—
Literary Hub,
25 June 2026
Lage may not quite be a household name, but he’s revered in musician circles, and is generally considered one of the most talented and versatile players on the planet.
—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
25 June 2026
Shug and Skinny Chris were well known in Birmingham’s poker circles.
—
Keith O’Brien,
New Yorker,
25 June 2026
The Math Behind Deteriorating Road Conditions Street maintenance follows a cost curve that is rarely appreciated outside public works circles.
—
Mark Pittman,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
One of the most popular hikes, the 5-mile Canyon Loop Trail, circles nine of the canyons.
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
25 June 2026
In Labour circles, there is an old joke poking fun at Burnham’s chameleon-like ability to blend into whichever set of ideas is in vogue on the left at that moment in time.
—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
25 June 2026
The book circles political concerns that remain relevant today, including empire, caste prejudice, and the dangers of despotism and corruption.
—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
One of Geneva Lake's main attractions is the public walking path, which circles the entire lake for over 20 miles.
—
Katy Spratte Joyce,
Travel + Leisure,
30 May 2026
The issue circles back to the gigantic investment needed to mine that rich lode when the top names in tech are digging as well.
—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
29 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
Most relied on the free shuttle that circles the valley floor.
—
Jack Dolan,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
That process moves forward, then circles back, then moves again.
—
Felysha Walker
may 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 May 2026
Enjoy a coffee break at The Lookout at Lake Poway before the group circles back.
—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Noun
The active ingredients in the formula include niacinamide, adenosine, and allantoin, which work together to brighten dark circles, smooth fine lines, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles without irritating sensitive skin.
—
Essence Wiley,
InStyle,
26 June 2026
The case reignited debate over corruption in Moroccan political circles.
—
ABC News,
26 June 2026
The nurse rubs circles on her lower back, clucking at the struggle of turning the pregnant body to the side like a lopsided gourd.
—
Literary Hub,
25 June 2026
Lage may not quite be a household name, but he’s revered in musician circles, and is generally considered one of the most talented and versatile players on the planet.
—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
25 June 2026
Shug and Skinny Chris were well known in Birmingham’s poker circles.
—
Keith O’Brien,
New Yorker,
25 June 2026
The Math Behind Deteriorating Road Conditions Street maintenance follows a cost curve that is rarely appreciated outside public works circles.
—
Mark Pittman,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
One of the most popular hikes, the 5-mile Canyon Loop Trail, circles nine of the canyons.
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
25 June 2026
In Labour circles, there is an old joke poking fun at Burnham’s chameleon-like ability to blend into whichever set of ideas is in vogue on the left at that moment in time.
—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
Verb
Chapter 1 Randy Fields stalks through the newsroom, circles my desk and sits across from me.
—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
25 June 2026
The book circles political concerns that remain relevant today, including empire, caste prejudice, and the dangers of despotism and corruption.
—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
One of Geneva Lake's main attractions is the public walking path, which circles the entire lake for over 20 miles.
—
Katy Spratte Joyce,
Travel + Leisure,
30 May 2026
The issue circles back to the gigantic investment needed to mine that rich lode when the top names in tech are digging as well.
—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
29 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
Most relied on the free shuttle that circles the valley floor.
—
Jack Dolan,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
That process moves forward, then circles back, then moves again.
—
Felysha Walker
may 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 May 2026
Enjoy a coffee break at The Lookout at Lake Poway before the group circles back.
—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circles
Noun
-
Considerations when choosing swimming pool dive toys Design Popular designs for swimming pool dive toys include sticks, rings, balls with tails, and torpedoes.
-
The Oscar-winning actress went mostly minimal with her Sheryl Lowe jewelry pieces, save for rings and a dainty earrings.
Noun
-
Future updates tested the ability to upload videos or photos to inspire songs, in addition to using partial compositions, a cappella vocals, loops, and other audio uploads to create songs.
-
Chains dangled from belt loops and wrists.
Noun
-
In Dublin and in later Irish protests outside asylum housing, far-right networks and online influencers used digital platforms to intensify grievances and spread anti-migrant views.
-
The collaboration comes as demand grows for photonic technologies that can support next-generation telecommunications networks, advanced sensing systems, healthcare applications, and data center infrastructure.
Noun
-
Markets and economies alike move in cycles.
-
Having worked in freight markets for almost four decades, Rick LaGore, CEO of InTek Logistics, has observed multiple cycles of volatility in the industry.
Noun
-
Unlike areas to the north, there is little agricultural demand for compost and mulch.
-
Commentary On the call, Subramaniam said the company is growing revenue in the most premium areas of the global economy.
Verb
-
To me, football is the game; fútbol is everything that surrounds it—the culture, community, and connections that come with it.
-
Authorities agreed to do something, said Spencer, whose farmland surrounds the crossing.
Verb
-
After tracking Krem's crew across the galaxy, Kara finally catches up with the Brigands on a hostile planet that orbits both a green and a yellow sun.
-
As Earth orbits the sun, the Northern Hemisphere is currently tilted most directly toward the sun.
Noun
-
Joe Prince-Wright shares his takeaways from France's defeat of Norway to wrap up the group stage and what to expect from each team in the knockout rounds.
-
Nonetheless, there is still an excitement that comes with it for the general manager, even in the later rounds.
Cite this Entry
“Circles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circles. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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