surround 1 of 2

verb

sə-ˈrau̇nd How to pronounce surround (audio)
Definition of surroundnext
as in to encircle
to form a circle around she was surrounded by cheering fans within moments of scoring the winning goal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

surround

2 of 2

noun

as in surroundings
the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded the vast, featureless surround of the desert was strangely appealing to him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 surround
Verb
Artificial general intelligence is only so important Other uncertainties surrounding AI matter less. — Geoffrey Irving, Time, 3 Oct. 2026 The surrounding platform is intended to manage orbital operations, protect products, and support their return. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
Dashes of yellow surround the branding, while a bright red shade is used subtly on the outsole as well as the black shoelaces. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 Inside is a sea of gold, covering the full-width instrument panel and gauges, the radio surround, and dash-top ash tray. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for surround
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surround
  1. encircle
  2. environment
  3. encompass
  4. atmosphere
  5. circle
  6. climate
  7. embrace
  8. context
Verb
  • Monumental-scale projections examining profound questions of bodies, landscape, and existence encircle a centerpiece of sculptural Jeju volcanic rocks.
    — Vivienne Chow, ARTnews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • With that official, the Astros encircled Espada in the visitors’ batting cage at Sutter Health Park.
    — Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of encircle
Noun
  • Our research suggests these tombs were designed and constructed not simply to house the dead, but to affect the living through a sensorily immersive environment similar to a modern 3D film experience.
    — Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The United States is now demonstrating the technology in operational environments, while simultaneously placing substantial contracts for production systems.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of environment
Verb
  • Since Guadagnino’s first feature in 1999, The Protagonists, a mockumentary starring Tilda Swinton as a filmmaker re-creating a real-life murder in London, his work has encompassed a variety of plots, tones, and textures.
    — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The district encompasses northern and inland areas of San Diego County, including San Marcos and Escondido.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of encompass
Noun
  • Scalding criticism evaporates like steam back into an atmosphere that police command.
    — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The friendly staff, who wear black uniforms with lettering that identifies their duties add to the hotel’s merry atmosphere.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of atmosphere
Verb
  • The restaurant was loud, with photographers circling the art patrons like vultures.
    — Eileen Kelly, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The possible deal follows major Hollywood studios and streamers earlier circling the movie inspired by the biggest video game of 2025.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of circle
Noun
  • There is now little doubt that minimizing the damage from climate will require phasing down fossil fuels and reducing livestock herds.
    — Stephanie Walton, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Years of climate abuse, of reckless drilling at the ends of the earth, have unleashed a wave of methane, which in terms of environmental destruction makes carbon dioxide look like laughing gas.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of climate
Verb
  • Carney has embraced the prospect of Canada becoming the European Union’s first associate member.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Prime Video international boss Kelly Day has urged the TV industry to embrace change, including AI.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of embrace
Noun
  • The team also pointed out that the same circuit is responsible for the expression of normal, context-appropriate grooming and licking.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
  • In real-life conversation, though, pausing to read a few sentences’ worth of context can really kill the social dynamic.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of context

Browse Nearby Words

surrogates
surround
surrounded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Surround.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surround. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Oct. 2

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
name tags
Words Named After People Quiz Find out who’s behind "leotard," "morphine," an...
See All