circle 1 of 2

Definition of circlenext
1
as in ring
something with a perfectly round circumference a circle of columns surrounds the memorial to the fallen heroes

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2
as in loop
a circular strip a decorative circle of silver on the rim of the commemorative plate for their 25th wedding anniversary

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3
4
as in wheel
a series of events or actions that repeat themselves regularly and in the same order with the birth of a child coming so soon after the death of a grandparent, we were once again reminded of the circle of life

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5

circle

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verb

1
2
as in to orbit
to travel completely around with a look of extreme frustration, the commander circled the new recruit

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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 circle
Noun
Ailsa Craig blue hone is commonly used for the running surface; manufacturers cut a circle out of the bottom of the main rock and insert a disk of blue hone. Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 10 Feb. 2026 To me, the idea of meeting people outside of family circles or established social structures always seemed weird. Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
As the camera circles the car, two other portions of Kennedy’s speech play in the background. Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026 That mission, Artemis 3, would occur in the years after NASA completes its upcoming Artemis 2 venture that as early as March 2026 could send four astronauts on a 10-day trip circling the moon. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circle
Noun
  • The dimming began gradually because the outer parts of the rings are thin, and only became obvious when the denser regions passed in front of the star.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Henry, who was a Pro Bowl running back that played for three teams in his seven-year NFL career, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic cocaine for financing a drug ring that moved between Colorado and Montana.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Visualization is a huge part of racing, particularly in the speed disciplines of downhill and super-G, and a lot of competitors close their eyes and run the course on a loop in their minds, dipping and swaying with every turn, roller and jump.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
  • E-commerce product images show a new Nike Air Max 95 OG Big Bubble outfitted with the Neon style’s familiar highlighter-like Air units and lace loops, but with some key updates that make the look more eye-catching than ever.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In that worldview, what mattered was the welfare of the governed, not of the governing clique.
    Andreas Kluth, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • And the Thom Browne clique has become thee group to go to the Met Gala with.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Police found three bullet holes in the passenger side of the other car, as well as a bullet ricochet indentation on the car’s rear wheel panel, according to the report.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The entry-level rear-wheel-drive BEV comes with a single electric motor that’s rated at 362 hp and a top speed of 125 mph (200 km/h).
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Detectives noted a consistent gait and distinctive walking pattern across videos captured before and after the shooting, including footage showing the suspect circling the area for hours and later walking away from the Barus & Holley building shortly after the gunfire.
    Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Prescott's downtown area adds the perfect southwest charm and history and was even the stomping grounds of famed cowboy Doc Holiday.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The hanging quickly devolves into an all-out bacchanal, as onlookers drink, dance and kiss in the square surrounding the flailing corpse.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
  • With supply stretched, these resources become more precious, and more expensive, for other businesses in the areas surrounding data center construction, according to Fordham University economics professor Marc Conte.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • This network will undock from the orbiting lab before its demise, becoming the free-flying Axiom Station.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Psyche is a nickel-iron core asteroid that orbits the sun beyond Mars anywhere from 235 million to 309 million miles away.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Premium box seating gave fans a unique experience as the championship rounds of the Dallas Open men's tennis tournament were held at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco on February 15, 2026.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026
  • In the opening round of the Weymouth Family Invitational, Joe Baraky led with 29 points as Duxbury dropped Weymouth 82-72.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circle. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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