circumference

noun

sər-ˈkəm(p)-fərn(t)s How to pronounce circumference (audio)
Definition of circumferencenext
1
as in diameter
the distance around a round body the circumference of the earth at the equator

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in perimeter
the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something a silly little affair that's of interest to no one beyond the circumference of this campus

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 circumference By comparing shadows at two locations, the Greek polymath Eratosthenes becomes the first person to accurately calculate the circumference of the earth. — New York Times, 17 July 2026 The 1,200-year-old Major Oak was also large in size, with a trunk circumference of around 36 feet and a total width of about 92 feet. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026 But a recent study found that people with larger waist circumferences who ate one avocado daily for six months did not see improvements in blood sugar, insulin levels, or insulin resistance. — Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 30 June 2026 The most astonishing thing about this is that these numbers appear in the simplest contexts, such as when calculating the circumference of a circle or the diagonal of a square. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for circumference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumference
  1. diameter
  2. perimeter
  3. radius
  4. edge
  5. equator
  6. boundary
  7. rim
  8. border
Noun
  • Kirsten Koehler, a professor of environmental health and engineering at Johns Hopkins University, said the tiny particles, smaller than the diameter of a human hair, can stay in the air for long periods of time and aren’t pulled down by gravity.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 18 July 2026
  • The goal would be more personalized risk prediction rather than relying on diameter alone.
    — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 15 July 2026
Definition of diameter
Noun
  • The expectation is everyone is ready for this moment and the vast security perimeter around the stadium will limit incidents.
    — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • Smoke hung heavy in the air as a perimeter of red police tape lined the entrance to the train station.
    — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Definition of perimeter
Noun
  • Security architectures must be designed to limit blast radius rather than assuming compromise will never occur.
    — Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Still, Lamb is one of the top receivers in the NFL with his expansive route tree and wide catch radius.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
Definition of radius
Noun
  • Now, Porsha is sharpening her knives before going in for the kill, adding a hilarious edge to an already delightfully macabre episode.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026
  • Ossoff has led in every public survey since April 2025, including a Fox News poll that showed him with a 56-43 edge over Collins.
    — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • Because of its rapid spin, Altair is much wider at its equator than at its poles.
    — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026
  • During the El Niño phase, warm water around the Pacific equator spreads far to the east, typically changing patterns of wind shear to favor tropical cyclone activity in the eastern Pacific and decrease it in the Atlantic.
    — Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 1 June 2026
Definition of equator
Noun
  • If people continue to cross this boundary, speak up, says Adia Gooden, a clinical psychologist and host of the podcast Unconditionally Worthy.
    — Malaka Gharib, NPR, 18 July 2026
  • April 20 – May 20 A money boundary could shift how people see your value.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
Definition of boundary
Noun
  • Ware, ironically, is what Riley says the Heat now need, a big man who can deter at the rim and convert 3-pointers on the other end.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2026
  • The second occurred last November when a 2-7 Dolphins team returned to their locker room and discovered the Pop-A-Shot arcade basketball hoop machine, and a second basketball rim were removed from the player’s locker room.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
Definition of rim
Noun
  • The number of international border crossings the jet made within North America through the semifinals.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • Pay extra attention to the base of your plants as well as garden borders.
    — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 17 July 2026
Definition of border

Browse Nearby Words

circumambulating
circumference
circumferences
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Cite this Entry

“Circumference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumference. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on circumference

Nglish: Translation of circumference for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about circumference

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