Synonyms of encircle

encircle

verb

in-ˈsər-kəl 

1

as in to circle

to travel completely around

communication satellites encircling the earth

Synonyms & Similar Words

• circle
• traverse
• orbit
• cross
• ring
• circuit
• round
• circumvent
• circumnavigate
• girdle
• compass
• circumambulate
• perambulate

2

as in to surround

to form a circle around

immediately after announcing their engagement, the couple was encircled by their applauding friends

Synonyms & Similar Words

• surround
• encompass
• circle
• enclose
• ring
• embrace
• gird
• circumscribe
• compass
• wreathe
• environ
• girdle
• wall
• fence (in)
• besiege
• hem (in)
• entrench
• beset
• close in
• swarm
• cordon (off)
• invest

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of encircle

The pair left their vehicle to find assistance, traversing salt flats toward Badwater Road, a two-lane highway encircled by mountains. — Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2026

In May, the Georgia Department of Transportation closed a major section of the road, which encircles the city of Atlanta and connects much of the greater metro area, sending both intra- and interstate traffic through the city. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Its signature Hémisphère features fine grooves encircling each plate like rings around a planet. — Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026

The zoning resolution for the Manhattanville extension explicitly forbids encircling any of the outdoor spaces with gates or fences. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 19 Aug. 2026