Synonyms of circles

circles 1 of 2

noun

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

• rings
• rounds
• orbs
• roundels
• ovals
• loops
• cirques
• spheres
• ellipses
• balls
• ringlets
• circlets
• globes

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

• loops
• hoops
• rings
• bands
• rounds
• belts
• wreaths
• eyes
• coils
• spirals
• collars
• curls
• girdles
• whorls
• cinctures
• spires
• twirls
• hanks
• annulets
• beckets
• furls

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

• networks
• communities
• cliques
• crowds
• bunches
• packs
• folds
• clans
• gangs
• organizations
• coteries
• rings
• bodies
• clubs
• covens
• lots
• sets
• communes
• tribes
• societies
• galères
• guilds
• klatches
• factions
• elites
• in-groups
• sides
• colleges
• fraternities
• camps
• leagues
• squads
• brotherhoods
• sects
• coalitions
• fellowships
• charmed circles
• blocs
• sororities
• closed shops
• federations
• unions
• alliances
• messes
• confederations
• sisterhoods
• councils
• congresses
• sodalities
• orders

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• individualists
• loners

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

• cycles
• rounds
• patterns
• wheels
• series
• progressions
• syndromes
• runs
• merry-go-rounds
• chains
• zodiacs
• developments
• rotations
• loops
• sequences
• rings
• courses
• circuits
• strings
• revolutions
• beats
• successions
• trains
• turns
• turnovers

5

as in areas

a region of activity, knowledge, or influence

that lies outside the circle of our investigation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• areas
• spheres
• realms
• domains
• departments
• walks
• fields
• kingdoms
• elements
• provinces
• terrains
• specialties
• disciplines
• territories
• arenas
• fronts
• games
• precincts
• businesses
• studies
• lines
• confines
• subjects
• fiefs
• fiefdoms
• bailiwicks
• firmaments
• pursuits
• baronies
• professions
• frontiers
• demesnes
• dimensions
• scopes
• occupations
• reaches
• vocations
• widths
• compasses
• sweeps
• rackets
• breadths
• amplitudes
• subfields
• extents
• turfs
• ambits
• subspecialties
• kens

circles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of circle

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

• surrounds
• encircles
• rings
• encompasses
• environs
• embraces
• encloses
• walls
• wreathes
• girdles
• compasses
• girds
• fences (in)
• circumscribes
• hems (in)
• closes in
• swarms
• entrenches
• besets
• besieges
• cordons (off)
• invests

2

as in orbits

to travel completely around

with a look of extreme frustration, the commander circled the new recruit

Synonyms & Similar Words

• orbits
• rings
• traverses
• encircles
• circuits
• rounds
• crosses
• circumvents
• girdles
• circumnavigates
• compasses
• circumambulates
• perambulates

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of circles

Noun

Between 1926 and 1946, Galentz became further entrenched in Beirut’s artistic and intellectual circles at a time that was both politically fragile and saw the transformation of the city into a cosmopolitan hub. —The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 12 June 2026

Students, teachers adapt in a digital world For some, the conversation around limiting screen time has extended beyond social circles and into professional or academic ones. —Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026

Using dirty cloths and wiping in big circles will leave streaks. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 June 2026

Indonesia is drawing the wrong kind of attention in emerging‑market circles. —William Pesek, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

Others say the appeal comes from meeting people outside their usual circles. —Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 11 June 2026

In certain circles, Nelson Holdo was the go-to guy for fine jewelry and luxury watches. —Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

Fitzgibbons is known for being the chairman of event-planning firm Fait Accompli, which is the go-to wedding organizer within British aristocratic circles. —Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 11 June 2026

Choose circles that feel kind, and show up consistently today. —Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026

Verb

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

On Deck 10, furniture upholstered in La Rumba circles the main pool and an outdoor bar. —Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 6 Apr. 2026

Phrases Containing circles

• run circles around