Synonyms of circling

circling 1 of 2

adjective

as in swirling

Related Words

• swirling
• spiral
• spiraling
• coiling
• coiled
• looping
• zigzag
• zigzagging
• twisting
• indirect
• winding
• corkscrew
• roundabout
• curving
• curved
• twisted
• serpentine
• bending
• circuitous
• wandering
• curled
• sinuous
• tortuous
• curling
• curvy
• crooked
• windy
• devious
• meandering
• rambling
• jagged
• crazy
• uneven
• irregular

Dissimilar Words

• straight
• direct
• linear
• straightaway

circling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of circle

1

as in surrounding

to form a circle around

everyone circled the lectern and waited their turn to read from the Bible

Synonyms & Similar Words

• surrounding
• encircling
• ringing
• encompassing
• enclosing
• embracing
• girdling
• environing
• girding
• wreathing
• circumscribing
• swarming
• compassing
• besieging
• closing in
• walling
• fencing (in)
• entrenching
• besetting
• hemming (in)
• cordoning (off)
• investing

2

as in orbiting

to travel completely around

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• orbiting
• traversing
• encircling
• crossing
• ringing
• rounding
• circumventing
• circuiting
• circumnavigating
• girdling
• compassing
• circumambulating
• perambulating

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of circling

Verb

Any brand watching the next mega‑event after this FIFA World Cup should assume there’s a second economy circling the core spectacle and design for it on purpose. — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

The pilots in the Delta Boeing 737 saw the potential collision and aborted their landing, eventually circling the airport before safely touching down. — Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 23 July 2026

Astronomers now believe that there is at least one planet circling virtually every existing star. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 22 July 2026

With the black vultures circling, the next cycle of births appeared imminent. — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

The East Palo Alto Police Department posted a separate video from the rescue that shows the dog swimming furiously with seagulls circling overhead and firefighters scooping him out of the murky water and swaddling him in towels. — Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026

Apollo Global Management is reportedly circling a roughly $3 billion investment tied to the Steinbrenner family’s holding company, which controls the Yankees along with minority stakes in AC Milan, New York City FC, and Legends Hospitality. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 17 July 2026

Earlier this morning in New York’s always-buzzing Meatpacking District, a long queue of young, cool folks could be seen lining up along 14th street—circling the block from 10th avenue all the way to 9th. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 16 July 2026

Sure enough, within minutes, sharks began circling the boat — before anyone had even stepped into the cage. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026