CIRCULAR Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

circular 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsər-kyə-lər

Definition of circular

as in roundabout

not straightforward or direct a rather circular discussion of the problem that never addresses it directly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

circular

2 of 2

noun

as in booklet

a short printed publication with no cover or with a paper cover promptly tosses out those advertising circulars that come in the newspaper

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 circular

Adjective

The circular structure, designed by Norwegian firm Snøhetta, is covered in carvings done by local artists and sits next to a large reflecting pool. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Sep. 2026 Other construction includes a circular area that may support engine runs or aircraft turnaround operations. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

Noun

Look for items on sale via the weekly store circular. — Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Feb. 2026 Similar circulars have been issued before, in anticipation of major storms and other natural events. — Ken Harbaugh, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for circular

Recent Examples of Synonyms for circular

Adjective

BepiColombo already has traveled more than 6 billion miles on its roundabout route, according to Martinez.

— Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
The county’s first roundabout, at the intersection of Tienken, Runyon and Washington roads on the Rochester/Rochester Hills border, was very controversial, Bryson recalled.

— Susan Bromley, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of roundabout

Adjective

The sanctions aim to isolate the Islamic Republic from its remaining economic partners, including China, which buys more than 80% of Iranian oil shipments, usually through indirect channels.

— Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
The financial-services industry has always been an indirect and noisy prediction market for relatively narrow topics.

— Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of indirect

Noun

The spa brochure ranges from seashell massages (which, yes, involve giant seashells covered in coconut oil) to traditional Thai rubdowns and every kind of herbal body wrap, detox-scrub and age-defying facial in between.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
The answers can tell you far more than a polished marketing brochure ever will.

— David Crown, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of brochure

Noun

The first online evacuation order came on August 5 for residents of Mansouri, near Tyre, though Israel had already dropped leaflets on the village just a week into the ceasefire, telling ‌residents to leave ahead of strikes.

— Reuters, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026
Meanwhile, leaflets ordering evacuations pattern the sky like a damned murmuration, and nighttime artillery fire paints striations like inverted fireworks.

— Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of leaflet

Noun

Since my last review, both free and paid users can enable Proton Mail to automatically sort messages into folders such as Primary, Social, Promotions, and Newsletters.

— Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
Investigators found a video in a hidden folder on Shelby’s phone, dated May 19, 2025, which was alleged to show Jeremy striking, choking and repeatedly punching his wife, as well as grabbing her by the throat and threatening to kill her, per KBSI.

— Adam England, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of folder

Noun

On every street corner were heartbreaking handmade flyers on poles asking if anyone had seen a member of someone’s family who had failed to respond to calls and never came home from work.

— Bob Kustra, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
Last year, the Department of Homeland Security, which was formed after the attacks, said flyers can leave their shoes on at airports, a major change for travelers going through regular security.

— Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of flyer

Noun

Response to West Nile cases Mecklenburg County Public Health has been distributing pamphlets in affected areas, Swinger said.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2026
Educational pamphlets on criminal cults, which includes research done by Rose, are also available to guests.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of pamphlet

Browse Nearby Words

circuity

circular

circularities

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Circular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circular. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of circular

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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