circles 1 of 2

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
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 Back in February, when the first Tesla Cybercab rolled off the line at Tesla Gigafactory Texas, there was plenty of talk in media circles about what was to come. Utkarsh Sood june 19, New Atlas, 19 June 2026 Cancer June 21 – July 22 Soft support arrives through your wider circles. Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2026 The film’s popularity has tripled business for the mystical shop and apothecary, which offers a wide range of services including magical advice, custom spell crafting, psychic readings, healing sessions, classes, clergy services, drum circles and vision quests. Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026 The two reportedly move in the same social circles, though at the time Kidman was reportedly not interested in a new romance. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 18 June 2026 When the game begins, different circles with different patterns appear. Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 17 June 2026 Adults who once relied on workplaces, school connections or dating-style apps to expand their social circles are turning to spaces organized around a specific activity instead. Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026 Using dirty cloths and wiping in big circles will leave streaks. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circles
Noun
  • On the men’s side, 18-year-old Maksim Kan claimed a pair of silver medals on pommel horse and still rings, while Ori Reilly secured silver on horizontal bar and bronze on parallel bars.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • In ornamental beds, install cardboard rings under the mulch around perennial or annual plants to stop weeds from intruding.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Assistive-listening devices and hearing loops are available for deaf or hard-of-hearing visitors, and closed captioning and on-screen American Sign Language interpretations for digital media exhibits and films are included in the museum's galleries.
    Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 15 June 2026
  • Among the thermostat-like stabilizing feedback loops in Earth’s climate, the cycling of CO2 through the solid Earth is a major factor over timescales this long.
    Scott K. Johnson, ArsTechnica, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Growing counter-drone demand The Australian contract comes as militaries worldwide increase investment in layered counter-UAS networks.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 June 2026
  • The company has been pursuing eliminating its entire legacy copper landline system across the state to replace it with advanced fiber optic networks.
    Steve Large, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • The directing duo hoped to examine the good intentions Banks and producers had, of turning the fashion industry on its head, empowering women and championing diversity, and the way those intentions evolved as the show moved through cycles.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026
  • Hot water and heavy-duty wash cycles with high agitation can cause sheet fibers to break down, so stick with a gentle cycle and cold water setting.
    Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Other actions to reduce risk include avoiding exposure during peak feeding times at dusk and dawn, wearing long sleeves and pants to prevent mosquito bites, and draining standing water in yards and gardens to minimize breeding areas.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 17 June 2026
  • The property is within hiking distance of Hervadalir, one of the country’s largest geothermal areas.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • An arched ceiling soars above the living room, where geometric tile surrounds the fireplace and French doors open to the yard.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 18 June 2026
  • What surrounds that figure is harder to parse, because two loud and opposing narratives are vying for attention.
    Tonya M. Evans, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • As Earth orbits the sun, the Northern Hemisphere is currently tilted most directly toward the sun.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • The June Bootids occur when Earth passes through debris left behind by comet 7P/Pons-Winnecke, which orbits the sun approximately every six years.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • The narrow win pushed Morocco into first place in Group C, all but securing a spot in the knockout rounds for the 2022 World Cup semifinalists.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 20 June 2026
  • After their convincing wins over Paraguay and Australia that sent them on to the knockout rounds, however, many are starting to readjust their expectations regarding the ceiling of this squad.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Circles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circles. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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