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
  • Its defining upgrade is the Virginia Payload Module, an additional hull section containing four large-diameter launch tubes.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 2026
  • The team observed that the critical stress level at which liquids fracture is proportional to their viscosity times the strain rate (how quickly they are being pulled or stretched apart and how the diameter of the liquid is changing).
    — Rohini Subrahmanyam, Quanta Magazine, 10 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
  • Restaurants that dominate their local radius actively invest in community ties.
    — Joseph Edgar, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • The helium signal extended well beyond the planet’s radius, which the researchers suggest is a sign that LHS 1140b has both a leading and a trailing tail of helium.
    — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 16 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
  • For Telemundo and NBCUniversal, the tournament has been a great opportunity to test the boundaries of innovative broadcasting, digital and social media options and enhancements.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 11 July 2026
  • When the dog crosses that virtual boundary, for example, escapes from the backyard, the tracker sends a message to the owner.
    — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of boundary
Noun
  • Flemings played the rim a lot more aggressively in Saturday’s outing.
    — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 12 July 2026
  • Sitting on the rim of his consciousness was always cataclysm, the muted whisper of a ruined world.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
Definition of rim
Noun
  • Meanwhile, investigations into similar illnesses have been going on in 28 other states, including in Ohio, where people just across the Michigan border are also becoming sick.
    — Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
  • Separate rules might apply at borders or for people on certain non-immigrant visas.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 11 July 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 18 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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