1
as in disseminating
to cause to be known over a considerable area or by many people
circulate the plans for the new stadium around town to get people's reaction
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in whispering
to make (as a piece of information) the subject of common talk without any authority or confirmation of accuracy
circulated a rumor that someone was about to be fired
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in spreading
to become known
the prince denies the story about an extramarital affair that's been circulating in the tabloids
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of circulating
When the dispute moved to the parking lot, witnesses said Hearne threw the first punch, and videos circulating online appeared to show the confrontation.
—
Jj Velasquez, San Antonio Express-News, 10 May 2026
This includes known viruses such as hantavirus, but also unknown pathogens circulating in nature.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 9 May 2026
Health authorities in South Africa and Switzerland identified the circulating strain as the Andes virus, the only hantavirus believed to spread from person to person, which is found in South America.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
Rumors began circulating last month that Lopez was the leading candidate to replace outgoing Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 8 May 2026
One of the strangest examples circulating in my messages wasn’t even from this year.
—Katrine Wallace, STAT, 8 May 2026
According to the filing, Kilcher learned the truth late last year when a broadcast video interview with Cameron began circulating on social media.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 7 May 2026
Yet, as her videos began circulating online, Phillips quickly realized the growing attention wasn't about her skills.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
Digital flyers for this unsanctioned event have been circulating on social media, according to the Fresno Police Department.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
Jj Velasquez, San Antonio Express-News, 10 May 2026
This includes known viruses such as hantavirus, but also unknown pathogens circulating in nature.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 9 May 2026
Health authorities in South Africa and Switzerland identified the circulating strain as the Andes virus, the only hantavirus believed to spread from person to person, which is found in South America.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
Rumors began circulating last month that Lopez was the leading candidate to replace outgoing Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 8 May 2026
One of the strangest examples circulating in my messages wasn’t even from this year.
—Katrine Wallace, STAT, 8 May 2026
According to the filing, Kilcher learned the truth late last year when a broadcast video interview with Cameron began circulating on social media.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 7 May 2026
Yet, as her videos began circulating online, Phillips quickly realized the growing attention wasn't about her skills.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
Digital flyers for this unsanctioned event have been circulating on social media, according to the Fresno Police Department.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circulating
Verb
-
The mix seemed appropriate to higher education, which, after all, dedicates itself both to the very traditional act of conserving knowledge and to producing and disseminating fresh discoveries.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The leadership also froze the agency’s other election security work, which included assessing local election offices for physical and cybersecurity risks, and disseminating sensitive intelligence information on threats.—
Doug Bock Clark,
ProPublica,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Maggie saw couples pointing, whispering hushed opinions to each other.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 May 2026
-
And there’s already whispering that eventual new ownership will push for a remodeled ballpark to include a retractable roof.—
Charley Walters,
Twin Cities,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
15 May 2026
-
Hantavirus misinformation is spreading fast.—
Allison Parshall,
Scientific American,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Fascism, then and now, is masterful at propagating and reinforcing its ideas through an aesthetic that captivates a large number of people.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Avoid propagating plants that are actively flowering.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The late-night host concluded his TV tenure in May 2015 after revealing his plans to retire the previous year.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
-
Such spectroscopy is a powerful technique for in-depth studies of celestial objects, capable of revealing their rotation, motion, composition, distance, and much more.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
The lawsuit quotes comments on X, formerly known as Twitter, suggesting that at least some customers were moved to purchase Samsung TVs by the apparent endorsement.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
10 May 2026
-
Reports indicate that significant numbers of voters are only now tuning into the campaign as the June primary election approaches, suggesting the race has struggled to maintain sustained engagement or generate early momentum.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
Zelenskyy -- who has called for a long-term ceasefire -- had refused to accept Putin’s pause in recent days, hinting that Ukraine might strike the parade.—
Nicholas Kerr,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
-
Trouble brewing Some analysts are hinting that trouble may be brewing for budget hotels, which are seeing an uptick in foreclosures and bankruptcies.—
Pat Maio,
Oc Register,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Circulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circulating. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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