circles 1 of 2

Definition of circlesnext
plural of circle
1
as in rings
something with a perfectly round circumference a circle of columns surrounds the memorial to the fallen heroes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
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

circles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of circle

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 circles
Noun
Gathering spaces throughout the property offer learning, reflection and spiritual experiences, and the studio often hosts events like drum circles and sound baths. Belinda Luksic, Southern Living, 1 May 2026 Tongues set to wagging about whether the iconic bad boss at its center was really based on legendary Vogue editor Anna Wintour — in some circles, anyway. Staff Author, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026 The apparent goal is to discredit accusers in public — then circulate the smears to their social circles — as well as demoralize adversaries amid legal disputes, forcing quiet settlements on preferred terms. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026 That could provoke an outcry from nationalist circles, who would likely view such as move as a breach of sovereignty. Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026 Like with Peterson, Gold’s work with the Bruins is highly regarded in both traditional and more progressive hockey circles around the NHL. Thomas Drance, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026 Conversation sets arranged in circles or L-shapes pull people into the space rather than lining them up against walls. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026 The speed of the map’s passage — and the circumstances surrounding it — have fueled outrage among Democrats and even unease within some Republican circles. Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026 Across the awards, several titles drew on personal archives or close family circles to address wider political realities. Lise Pedersen, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
Enjoy a coffee break at The Lookout at Lake Poway before the group circles back. Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026 As the vehicle circles the far side of the moon, communication back to Earth is expected to be blocked for about 40 minutes. Brendan Byrne, NPR, 6 Apr. 2026 On Deck 10, furniture upholstered in La Rumba circles the main pool and an outdoor bar. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 6 Apr. 2026 The space station circles our planet at an altitude referred to as low-Earth orbit, which is closer to Earth's atmosphere and allows the outpost to move more quickly around Earth than objects further out in space. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026 Editing compounds that issue, and not even a familiar and fun soundtrack can distract from a narrative that endlessly circles the same jokes and conflicts without properly deepening them. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 25 Mar. 2026 Anthony Arceneaux, who owns the spot with his wife, Jennifer, circles the room in a white cowboy hat, shaking hands like a Presidential candidate. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026 Amazomania really circles around that. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026 Tahoe Rim Trail At roughly 170 miles, the Tahoe Rim Trail circles the entire lake and offers everything from casual afternoon loops to multi-day backpacking epics. Ted Alvarez, Outside, 9 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circles
Noun
  • These grow to form blotches that have lighter and darker zones appearing as irregular concentric rings that grow throughout the season until the entire leaf turns black and dies.
    Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
  • Solitaire rings, or rings with a one major stone in the center of the band, are a staple of a grandma's jewelry box.
    Dino Bonačić, Glamour, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • Gambling addiction is a serious public health issue that prediction markets intensify by merging the addictive feedback loops of social media with casino-style wagering.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Functional front pockets and belt loops add to their versatility.
    Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This approach emphasizes not just procurement, but also the development of doctrine, training frameworks, logistics networks, and sustained operational deployment in real-world conditions.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026
  • For regional hospital networks, community banks, and mid-sized manufacturers, retrofitting quantum security into a legacy network is not a straightforward IT upgrade.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Lululemon wants Nike’s global sportswear machinery, including faster product cycles, sharper merchandising, broader category expansion, and a stronger link between brand heat and international growth.
    Ruth Umoh, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Converting economic headroom into the factories and power lines required for industrialization will also rely on governments committing to the pursuit of long-term projects with timelines that extend far beyond election cycles.
    Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • On Saturday, Moscow pummeled the central city of Dnipro and other areas for more than twenty hours with barrages of missiles and drones, killing at least seven people.
    Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Salisbury Mayor Randy Taylor said the city and county have not had a formal reimbursement agreement for Salisbury Fire Department service to county areas for several years.
    Josh Davis, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But beneath the lighthearted banter, the personal flattery and the theatrical spectacle that surrounds a royal visit, there remained subtle signs of the deep divisions that have become the most serious test in decades for the long friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
    Michael Collins, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
  • This structure surrounds the superconducting magnet at the center of the fusion machine, which also utilizes toroidal field coils, poloidal field coils, and correction coils.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Psyche is a nickel-iron core asteroid that orbits the sun beyond Mars anywhere from 235 million to 309 million miles away.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026
  • Soaring 20-foot ceilings stretch above a teal velvet sofa custom-made by Rove Concepts that orbits an original Malm copper drum fireplace dating back to the 1970s.
    Sarah Wood González, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Abel made the rounds across the floor, stopping at each booth to greet employees and shake hands with shareholders.
    Yun Li,Alex Harring,Sarah Min, CNBC, 2 May 2026
  • At least three rounds were fired, sources said.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Circles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circles. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

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