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 Surgery eligibility is primarily driven by BMI; however, there is a movement to consider waist circumference because of the associated risks, according to Serlie. — Crystal Gwizdala, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026 The stadium will slightly increase its footplate — or increases the building’s circumference, so to speak. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026 This boot’s shaft circumference is a godsend for women with wider-than-average calves, doing away with that constricting feeling once and for all. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 20 July 2026 Researchers also measured participants’ waist circumference, weight, and body composition, as well as fasting levels of the hormones leptin, ghrelin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which help regulate hunger. — Brian Mastroianni, Health, 20 July 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
  • However, the value for the sun’s diameter appears to be wrong, leaving eclipse maps — projections of the moon’s shadow — slightly askew.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The Metropolitan District Commission is seeking to install a new 30-inch diameter water transmission main through Windsor, Hartford, South Windsor and East Hartford and beneath both the Connecticut River and Podunk River.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of diameter
Noun
  • The department shared photos and images showing the big cat on a sidewalk under the shade of a tree while deputies set up a perimeter.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
  • After choosing your traps from a local home improvement store, place them around your yard’s perimeter, especially near the nests.
    — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of perimeter
Noun
  • The results of those tests were then compared to an 11th school campus, which was located outside of the radius and used as a reference site.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Now, the Halloween retailer looks to place its stores in locations with more than 35,000 people within a 3- to 5-mile radius.
    — Blaise Mesa, jsonline.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of radius
Noun
  • The scientists used cutting-edge airborne laser scanning technology and found hundreds of previously unknown earthworks.
    — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The edges of your lawn and garden provide the perfect habitat for these plants, while fences and retaining walls can give support to growing poison ivy vines.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • And while the Apollo landings stuck close to the lunar equator, landing near the south pole is substantially more complex and requires more powerful vehicles.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The eclipse path also passes close to Earth’s equator, where the surface rotates faster.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of equator
Noun
  • For example, when light bends around a sharp obstacle or boundary, such as a knife edge, the waves bend and interfere with one another to create bands of dark and bright light.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Propulsive and kind of terrifying, this is a brilliant examination of the underbelly of journalism and the people on the fringe of society who are willing to cross any moral boundary to find their brief time in the light.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of boundary
Noun
  • In this particular clip he is forced to show enough help at the rim while keeping a body on Diabate.
    — Tom Rende, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • An officer noticed the man off the north side of the trail, along the canyon rim.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of rim
Noun
  • Four firefighters were killed and a fifth was injured after they were overcome by a fast-moving wildfire in Colorado, near the Utah border, in June.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The 27-member EU bloc has a visa-free travel area known as Schengen that allows citizens of most EU countries to travel easily across borders for work and pleasure.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of border

Browse Nearby Words

circumambulating
circumference
circumferences
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Circumference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumference. Accessed 15 Aug. 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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