1
as in madhouse
a place of uproar or confusion
with seven kids in the house, it's a circus most of the time
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pageant
an elaborate, visually exciting show or event
the media circus that took place outside the courthouse every day of the murder trial
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of circus
Those Funny Little People from Willowbrook; and some circus performers, Schroeder said.
—
Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
This isn’t about the oddity of a week that can feel like a circus.
—Sam McDowell February 27, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2026
This use of others, far junior to them in rank or status, as human props in a political circus is inimical to the dignity of those who deserve to be acknowledged either in solemn ceremonies at the White House, or anywhere but in public view.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Kennywood Park Kennywood said that the popular trash can that features a friendly-looking lion in a circus cage first debuted at the park in 1964 and since then, has been collecting paper cups, paper napkins, chewing gum wrappers, and other paper products.
—Mike Darnay, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for circus
Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
This isn’t about the oddity of a week that can feel like a circus.
—Sam McDowell February 27, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2026
This use of others, far junior to them in rank or status, as human props in a political circus is inimical to the dignity of those who deserve to be acknowledged either in solemn ceremonies at the White House, or anywhere but in public view.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Kennywood Park Kennywood said that the popular trash can that features a friendly-looking lion in a circus cage first debuted at the park in 1964 and since then, has been collecting paper cups, paper napkins, chewing gum wrappers, and other paper products.
—Mike Darnay, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for circus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circus
Noun
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In the fourth quarter, Soldier Field was an absolute madhouse with 60,000-plus waving towels, chewing fingernails, frothing at the mouth and … grating cheese?—
Jon Greenberg,
New York Times,
11 Jan. 2026
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Instead of the orgiastic madhouse that fans of Monster and American Horror Story have grown accustomed to, Devil in Disguise is a somber affair, as aesthetically chilly as a December in Des Plaines, Illinois.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In the days after the assassination, TPUSA’s board appointed Erika Kirk — the now-widow, previously known more for her pageant background than any political leadership role — to take over as CEO, a move described as consistent with her late husband’s wishes.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Mar. 2026
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The 75th Miss Universe pageant takes place in Puerto Rico in November.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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On March 21, this stadium will be filled with more than 70,000 guests as the pair takes center stage at the Super Bowl of comedy — the largest stadium stand-up show to date.—
Deputy Entertainment,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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An Arlington entrepreneur has invested tens of millions of dollars to redevelop the Caravan property as an upscale boutique hotel with 145 rooms, a restaurant with a world-champion chef and a rooftop bar with six-floor views of the city’s sports stadiums.—
Matt Leclercq,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Cue bedlam as the momentum swung decisively Wrexham’s way in a title race that had seen both teams already reach 100 points.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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Another centered on a teenage girl (Chloë Sevigny doppelgänger Emma Halleen), whose insecurities blind her to a life that is, on its surface, pretty good, finds a palpable sadness within the bedlam of the show.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Admission gives you access to educational exhibits and adorable animals, from Beluga Whales to penguins.—
Allison Tibaldi,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
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The exhibit will feature works from Morris’ six decades of art.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In the parking lot outside of the coliseum, fans paused to peer inside three racecars Biffle drove during his career.—
Steve Reed,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Jan. 2026
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The coliseum concert marked The Format’s first full-band performance since 2007, although Means and Ruess surprised fans at a 2020 viewing party for a Format concert film in downtown Phoenix with a full unplugged reunion concert.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The center hosts exhibitions, educational opportunities, and workshops, and many artists show and sell their work in local village galleries.—
Molly Allen,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
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Before opening the show in London, Opie had been in Germany installing another solo exhibition at the Fridericianum museum in Kassel.—
Fiona Sinclair Scott,
CNN Money,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Davosians — heads of state, business leaders, technologists, philanthropists and billionaires — convene alongside spectacle.—
Victoria Bousis,
Rolling Stone,
9 Mar. 2026
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What followed was a spectacle of failure and endangerment.—
Karen J. Leader,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Circus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circus. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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