1
as in to traverse
to travel completely around the first ship to circumnavigate the globe

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to bypass
to avoid by going around we can circumnavigate the traffic jam if we take the next exit

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 circumnavigate The underpinnings of a global order can be traced to the age of discovery, when Europeans first learned to circumnavigate the globe, then established a presence at vast distances, and followed that with empires. Margaret MacMillan, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025 Spoelstra charted out a map for Herro to circumnavigate by running into antithetical gaps on a possession-by-possession basis, creating inconsistencies that got Cleveland’s fatigued defense out of rhythm. Jared Weiss, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025 The Drake Passage also gained attention online thanks to the Royal Caribbean 9-Month World Cruise, which circumnavigated the globe from December 2023 to September 2024. Bailey Richards, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025 More recently, Chinese warships have been circumnavigating Australia’s coastline for more than three weeks and holding wargames near New Zealand, two unprecedented developments that have rattled the U.S. allies. Aris Folley, The Hill, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumnavigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumnavigate
Verb
  • While there have been hundreds of successful expeditions across the Mid-Atlantic, the North Atlantic is less frequently traversed by solo ocean rowers and teams.
    Danielle Wallace, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025
  • Orlando Sentinel Florida’s House speaker stood up to DeSantis, and shifted the power dynamics Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida would normally be traversing the state this time of year, trumpeting his legislative accomplishments and the fellow Republican lawmakers who had fallen in line to achieve them.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • If Michael Misa is somehow bypassed after the first two picks, the Blackhawks would be happy to take him.
    Scott Powers, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • In some cases, this might mean bypassing or delaying scheduled stops, particularly if the medical need is critical and the ship is far from land.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Dude’s a lifelong utility player — rock solid on guitar and vocals with the family band, while Willie circles the beat, and a team player with frequent Neil Young backing crew Promise of the Real.
    Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025
  • Large, retracting wheels jut out on either side of this main brush, and cliff sensors circle the perimeter.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • In doing so, Ford circumvented a hefty 25% tariff and only paid a 2.5% import duty.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 18 June 2025
  • Presidents since Nixon have circumvented the resolution by simply not recognizing it or by asserting their power as commander in chief.
    ELIZABETH N. SAUNDERS, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • The first 27 Kuiper satellites were deployed to orbit on April 28, 2025, following a launch from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Base in Florida.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 17 June 2025
  • Our solar system orbits the galaxy's center, taking about 250 million years to make one revolution.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • Mabrey was also hit with a technical foul and avoided ejection.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025
  • The league has a multi-year deal with Main Street Sports Group for those digital rights that will remain in place as long as Main Street Sports meets certain conditions, including avoiding bankruptcy.
    Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Pochettino was asked multiple times about Pulisic’s interview, which added only another layer of drama to the narratives now encircling this team.
    Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 15 June 2025
  • The pendant itself is an image of the Virgin Mary, encircled by a sunburst-like filigree frame.
    Jailynn Taylor, Essence, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • Controlling a fire means ensuring that the fire can't spread or cross the containment line.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2025
  • Fingers crossed for an eventual console release as well!
    David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Circumnavigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumnavigate. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on circumnavigate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!