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
Relevance
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
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 circus
During his team’s ensuing possession, the senior lofted a pass into the end zone, which was corralled for a circus 25-yard touchdown reception by Malik Locke to slice the deficit to 13-6.
—
Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Happel and his team plan to host a diverse range of local and national acts, from punk and metal to rock en español and touring legends, as well as magicians, stand-ups, burlesque dancers, neo-circus acts and more.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
While this year’s theme has not yet been announced, last year’s iteration was creepy circus-themed.
—Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025
The trial was a kangaroo circus packed with sophism, subterfuge, and courtroom chicanery.
—Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for circus
Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Happel and his team plan to host a diverse range of local and national acts, from punk and metal to rock en español and touring legends, as well as magicians, stand-ups, burlesque dancers, neo-circus acts and more.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
While this year’s theme has not yet been announced, last year’s iteration was creepy circus-themed.
—Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025
The trial was a kangaroo circus packed with sophism, subterfuge, and courtroom chicanery.
—Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for circus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circus
Noun
-
The madhouse of awards season and all its many, many controversies — not to mention an ongoing parade of natural and man-made disasters — has until now perhaps overshadowed some of the year’s lower-stakes joys.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2025
-
But things move fast in the Goodison madhouse.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
The Athletic,
9 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Our Miss Vietnam San Diego pageant is a great example of that.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Sep. 2025
-
In addition to her pageant title, Erika was an NCAA basketball player at Regis University in Denver, Colorado, and graduated from Arizona State University after double majoring in political science and international relations.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Great stadium, great atmosphere.—
Jack Murray,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Then there was the chaotic last-minute switch to hosting Sunday’s La Liga game against Valencia at the 6,000-capacity stadium by Barca’s training ground.—
Pol Ballús,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Just as much bedlam erupted here at Weird and Wild World HQ.—
Jayson Stark,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Their journey to the Comiskey concert was typical of the bedlam that accompanied their performances.—
Michael Peregrine,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Ian is in town for the holidays to oversee the installation of an exhibit featuring the Braxton Royal Jewels at the Avalon Museum.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Sep. 2025
-
The High Street district is also home to The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum, which includes a fine Arts and Crafts collection and exhibits on local Antarctic explorer Edward Wilson.—
Vicky Smith,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Mike Crum, director of Fort Worth’s Public Events Department, said that money will be used to expand the coliseum’s concourse and update restroom and concession areas, among other improvements.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Aug. 2025
-
The outdoor sets will bookend The Format’s headlining performance in the coliseum.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Its exhibition in Japan follows its deployment in the Philippines last year, triggering criticisms from China and Russia.—
Shane Croucher
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Founded in 1909, the American Federation of Arts is a nonprofit organization that develops and circulates high-quality art exhibitions to museums across the country and abroad.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This is where Birmingham’s industrial heritage meets the primal spectacle of live fire cooking.—
Rai Mincey,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The fond memories started even earlier in the night, hours before The Who took the stage, as fans were treated to a rock & roll spectacle worthy of its own headlining slot with opener The Joe Perry Project.—
John Lonsdale,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Circus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circus. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share