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

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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 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 The pancakes delivered to me not five minutes later filled the large plate’s circumference. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026 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 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
  • Equipped with digital-twin smart controls and advanced geological forecasting systems, Navigator established a global benchmark for long-distance, large-diameter shield tunneling.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026
  • Initial calculations suggested the roughly 340-meter-diameter rock had a one-in-37 chance of impacting Earth in 2029.
    — Andrew Jones, Scientific American, 30 July 2026
Definition of diameter
Noun
  • Farther west, France’s largest wildfire remained held within its perimeter on Sunday night after forcing 224,000 people to flee in what may have been the country’s largest civilian evacuation outside wartime.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • France’s largest wildfire remained held within its perimeter after forcing 224,000 people to flee in what may have been the country’s largest civilian evacuation outside wartime.
    — Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of perimeter
Noun
  • The new map is computed using the IQP eclipse computational method that accounts for an improved value for the eclipse solar radius as well as the exact shape of the moon and topography.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Delivery will be available within a roughly 7-mile radius of the facility including parts of Redan, Lilburn, Snellville, Tucker and Lithonia.
    — Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of radius
Noun
  • The frontier of what needs a human recedes every quarter, and the companies that know exactly where the line sits have a real edge.
    — Michael Wee, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • On the fourth pitch of the at-bat, Yamamoto turned to his splitter for the first time, barely clipping the inside edge of the strike zone.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • The eclipse path also passes close to Earth’s equator, where the surface rotates faster.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Because of its rapid spin, Altair is much wider at its equator than at its poles.
    — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026
Definition of equator
Noun
  • Set the boundary, handle one domestic loose end, then choose joy without dragging guilt behind you.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • First, scientists will measure stability boundaries to find out how many protons and neutrons a single nucleus can contain before breaking apart.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of boundary
Noun
  • Thompson, who is eligible for a rookie-scale contract extension this offseason, explored taking more shots farther away from the rim last season, which could bode well for an overall expansion of his offensive game.
    — Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • In less than seven minutes, the rims and tires on Judiyah Baxter's Honda Accord were stolen by a pair of thieves dressed in hoodies.
    — Joe Holden, CBS News, 30 July 2026
Definition of rim
Noun
  • But he was caught by Chinese border patrol in Tibet’s Shigatse region, while making the risky journey to the Nepal border on foot with a guide.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The plan The state Department of Transportation planned to add toll lanes to an 11-mile stretch from uptown to the South Carolina border in order to address congestion.
    — DJ Simmons August 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 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 8 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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