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 That eight-step process analyses balls according to eight criteria, including circumference, water absorption, rebound height, shape and size retention, and sphericity (a measurement of roundness). — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 20 June 2026 Famous for its enormous trunk -- about 36 feet in circumference -- and gnarled branches, the Major Oak was believed to be about 1,200 years old, according to the RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation Charity. — ABC News, 19 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 When calculating the age of a mature tree, the rule of thumb is to measure its circumference at chest level. — Theodore R. Johnson, Washington Post, 17 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
  • Essentially, the pot is designed to expand in diameter and in depth as a plant's roots develop, and the self-watering reservoir keeps the system low-maintenance.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
  • Depending on the type and size of the aircraft, helipads typically range from about 40 to 80 feet in diameter.
    — Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Definition of diameter
Noun
  • Catalan Fire Service head of operations Eduard Martinez said the blaze had a perimeter of 25 miles and firefighters may not be able to bring it under control on Sunday, EFE said.
    — Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • The Waseca County Honor Guard carried the flag out of the fairgrounds hall, and with about 35 volunteers around its perimeter, the red, white and blue was fully unfurled in all its glory for the first time in decades.
    — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of perimeter
Noun
  • Arity looked at what stores people visited within a 10-mile radius of SoFi that day and also found surges in visitors to nearby El Pollo Loco and Trader Joe’s.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • Maui Coast Hotel’s free shuttle will bring you to The Shops at Wailea or a restaurant of your choice within a three-mile radius.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
Definition of radius
Noun
  • The Detroit pizza features the style’s signature crown of crispy cheese around the edges, and a blanket of brick cheese.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Both the scalloped edges and adorable blue gingham print made this a top pick for me.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 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 the boundary between them is compromised, the church too will become coercive.
    — Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • The root ball boundary or the outer edge of the soil-and-root mass typically extends from the main stem to just beyond the edge of the foliage.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
Definition of boundary
Noun
  • Conwell played off the ball a lot but showed a nifty handle when given the chance, delivering a terrific pass in transition for a Jahmir Young score and swerving past a defender on a neat move to the basket before missing a shot at the rim.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
  • The coin, which British officials presented during the recent state visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States, features every British monarch and American president since 1776 on its rim.
    — Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
Definition of rim
Noun
  • The bears seen in large urban centers and agricultural areas, like the southeastern corners of the state and parts of the western border, are generally transient, as those areas don't have enough woods to create a good habitat.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Today, they're celebrated not just for their thrift, but for proving that small cars can have enormous personality – a trait Honda is now hoping will resonate far beyond Japan's borders.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 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 11 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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