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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Recent Examples of circles
Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026
On top lies the picotage technique as well as a pattern of overlapping black circles, that is both enclosing and creating space while also keeping out.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee
march 6, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026
Otton’s yearly value has been pinpointed in NFL circles somewhere around Jake Ferguson’s four-year, $50 million extension with Dallas in 2025.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026
Now, the drug's reputation is continuing to grow in conservative political circles as a form of cure-all for various ailments.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026
Smith is widely known in crypto circles for having built the trade group Blockchain Association into a lobbying powerhouse that helped pass the Genius Act, a landmark piece of stablecoin legislation.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
Dark circles are high on the list of Richie’s skin woes.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026
First, rotate your elbows in a clockwise position for six circles.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026
But outside political media circles, how many Americans were meaningfully affected?
—Jay Caruso, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 3 Mar. 2026
As the camera circles the car, two other portions of Kennedy’s speech play in the background.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
The polar vortex is a persistent, large-scale cyclone that circles the Arctic and contains extremely cold air.
—Brandi D. Addison, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Feb. 2026
But this award, which was inaugurated in 2023 with a Jesso win, circles the same handful of writers, and country scribes like Jessie Jo Dillon, pop bards like Amy Allen, and reggaeton men-at-arms like Edgar Barrera are just as up next.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
Astronomers have spotted an Earth-sized planet that circles its star every 355 days–and might be in its system’s habitable zone.
—Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
An Army-green helicopter routinely circles overhead alongside several smaller drones.
—Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 27 Jan. 2026
Pisces February 19 – March 20 Soft encouragement circles your friendships and hopes.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 18 Jan. 2026
For all the talk that circles the retail industry about AI’s promise, the fact is that Americans still fear job loss and replacement because of AI.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 23 Dec. 2025
Noun
But now comes a small, influential group of hard-line right-wingers who believe that, in the words of one popular meme in such circles, McCarthy was right.
—Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026
On top lies the picotage technique as well as a pattern of overlapping black circles, that is both enclosing and creating space while also keeping out.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee
march 6, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026
Otton’s yearly value has been pinpointed in NFL circles somewhere around Jake Ferguson’s four-year, $50 million extension with Dallas in 2025.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026
Now, the drug's reputation is continuing to grow in conservative political circles as a form of cure-all for various ailments.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026
Smith is widely known in crypto circles for having built the trade group Blockchain Association into a lobbying powerhouse that helped pass the Genius Act, a landmark piece of stablecoin legislation.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
Dark circles are high on the list of Richie’s skin woes.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026
First, rotate your elbows in a clockwise position for six circles.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026
But outside political media circles, how many Americans were meaningfully affected?
—Jay Caruso, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
Charles then circles around the cruiser and onto a sidewalk, which puts a barrier of snow between him and Jones, who can be seen standing in the street.
—Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 3 Mar. 2026
As the camera circles the car, two other portions of Kennedy’s speech play in the background.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
The polar vortex is a persistent, large-scale cyclone that circles the Arctic and contains extremely cold air.
—Brandi D. Addison, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Feb. 2026
But this award, which was inaugurated in 2023 with a Jesso win, circles the same handful of writers, and country scribes like Jessie Jo Dillon, pop bards like Amy Allen, and reggaeton men-at-arms like Edgar Barrera are just as up next.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
Astronomers have spotted an Earth-sized planet that circles its star every 355 days–and might be in its system’s habitable zone.
—Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
An Army-green helicopter routinely circles overhead alongside several smaller drones.
—Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 27 Jan. 2026
Pisces February 19 – March 20 Soft encouragement circles your friendships and hopes.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 18 Jan. 2026
For all the talk that circles the retail industry about AI’s promise, the fact is that Americans still fear job loss and replacement because of AI.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 23 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circles
Noun
-
At one point during the conversation, JOP’s phone rings.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
9 Mar. 2026
-
And when the British army brought their trench coats to the continent, they were kitted out in military features like shoulder epaulettes for indicating rank insignia and metal D-rings that could hold maps, swords (and supposedly) grenades.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
In fact, certain habits that might seem helpful only reinforce anxious thought loops over time.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
With a continuous power supply in orbit, this technology could extend the lifespan and range of exploration missions, like future lunar bases and global space internet networks.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Mar. 2026
-
The agency also details the numerous and complicated media rights agreements for the major leagues, including deals with networks, cable channels and streaming services, plus leagues launching their own networks and direct‑to‑consumer streaming apps.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But cycles of corruption followed by reform are an enduring feature of American history.—
Daniel Weiner,
Time,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Fletcher can attest to the longevity of the sheets after much use and countless wash cycles.—
Blake Bakkila,
Architectural Digest,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Investors say the technology could expand automation into areas that have historically been difficult for machines.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Mar. 2026
-
During heavy rain, flooding is possible, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Tight end Colston Loveland will also factor heavily into the passing game as Chicago surrounds Caleb Williams with young weapons on a similar career timeline.—
Carter Bahns,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
-
That is certainly true of Harwood Park, an urban oasis that deftly incorporates and activates the historic architecture that surrounds it, forming an appealing place for public events and play.—
Mark Lamster
Architecture Critic,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This pattern repeats year after year, as the Earth orbits the Sun.—
Vahe Peroomian,
The Conversation,
5 Mar. 2026
-
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,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This system will send several atmospheric disturbances into Texas, helping to generate multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms from Sunday through Thursday.—
Newsroom Meteorologist,
Austin American Statesman,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Cuban officials say the speedboat, registered in the United States, was carrying firearms of various calibers, including 14 rifles, 11 pistols and nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Circles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circles. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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