as in oval
a shape that resembles a flattened circle
The teacher drew an ellipse on the chalkboard that intended to illustrate the moon's orbit around the Earth.
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Recent Examples of ellipse
Jupiter has a tilt of only three degrees, but its orbit is more elliptical than Earth’s, making its analemma a simpler ellipse in its sky.
—
Phil Plait, Scientific American, 5 June 2025
Since the Earth’s orbit is an ellipse and not a circle, the planet is about 1.7% closer to the Sun in early January compared with its annual average.
—Steven R. Fassnacht, The Conversation, 17 Feb. 2025
These integrals are rather difficult expressions that started off as parts of an attempt to measure the circumference of an ellipse.
—Richard Jensen, Scientific American, 28 Apr. 2025
According to preliminary data, Blue Ghost settled in a location just outside of its 330-foot (100-meter) target landing ellipse, probably due to the last-minute divert maneuvers ordered by the vehicle's hazard avoidance system.
—Ars Technica, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ellipse
Phil Plait, Scientific American, 5 June 2025
Since the Earth’s orbit is an ellipse and not a circle, the planet is about 1.7% closer to the Sun in early January compared with its annual average.
—Steven R. Fassnacht, The Conversation, 17 Feb. 2025
These integrals are rather difficult expressions that started off as parts of an attempt to measure the circumference of an ellipse.
—Richard Jensen, Scientific American, 28 Apr. 2025
According to preliminary data, Blue Ghost settled in a location just outside of its 330-foot (100-meter) target landing ellipse, probably due to the last-minute divert maneuvers ordered by the vehicle's hazard avoidance system.
—Ars Technica, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ellipse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ellipse
Noun
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Many races, particularly ovals, are scarcely attended.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
31 July 2025
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Major League Baseball has built a special field inside the iconic oval where some of NASCAR’s greatest races have taken place.—
Maury Brown,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
Noun
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In another medium bowl, add buttermilk, vegetable oil, extra-large eggs, and pure vanilla extract.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 July 2025
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Since Outlander: Blood of my Blood is a prequel, fans can expect plenty of Easter eggs and slightly different versions of familiar faces.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
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Gunn’s approach is colorful, in both its palette and the costumes; proudly fantastical, with flying orbs, robots, portals, and giant monsters; and at times endearingly, intentionally corny (see: Krypto the super dog).—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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The most common shapes were orbs, spheres and triangles, frequently observed performing advanced maneuvers.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ellipse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ellipse. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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