1
as in surrounding
to form a circle around
everyone circled the lectern and waited their turn to read from the Bible
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in orbiting
to travel completely around
with a look of extreme frustration, the commander circled the new recruit
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in swirling
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of circling
Paul Tenorio, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025
The circling speculation on the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer is that the Jets will release him or that Rodgers could even retire from the NFL.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025
Several companies ousted their CEO while an activist was circling, and not represented on the board.
—Michael Flaherty, Axios, 3 Jan. 2025
Powell said living so close to Bourbon Street comes with its challenges, from tourists urinating in the nearby alley to the circling traffic on weekends.
—Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 2 Jan. 2025
Filmmakers such as Guy Ritchie and Brad Peyton both took stabs, with Dwayne Johnson circling the roll for Peyton’s version.
—Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Dec. 2024
In those first two games in particular, Hall and Bedard were menacingly circling the offensive zone during sustained pressure as Bertuzzi staked out his usual spot down low.
—Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024
While there has been no follow-up from Beyoncé or her team, fans are already circling the date on their calendars in anticipation.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 26 Dec. 2024
In October, Deadline reported that Holland was circling the lead role in Nolan’s new event film, which has also since cast Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o and Matt Damon.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Robinson’s effectiveness for Fulham, detailed here by The Athletic, has created plenty of speculation about whether some of the big clubs might be circling for a January signing.
—Paul Tenorio, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025
The circling speculation on the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer is that the Jets will release him or that Rodgers could even retire from the NFL.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025
Several companies ousted their CEO while an activist was circling, and not represented on the board.
—Michael Flaherty, Axios, 3 Jan. 2025
Powell said living so close to Bourbon Street comes with its challenges, from tourists urinating in the nearby alley to the circling traffic on weekends.
—Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 2 Jan. 2025
Filmmakers such as Guy Ritchie and Brad Peyton both took stabs, with Dwayne Johnson circling the roll for Peyton’s version.
—Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Dec. 2024
In those first two games in particular, Hall and Bedard were menacingly circling the offensive zone during sustained pressure as Bertuzzi staked out his usual spot down low.
—Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024
While there has been no follow-up from Beyoncé or her team, fans are already circling the date on their calendars in anticipation.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 26 Dec. 2024
In October, Deadline reported that Holland was circling the lead role in Nolan’s new event film, which has also since cast Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o and Matt Damon.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circling
Verb
-
Speaking of surrounding herself with loved ones, Gomez has been doing that with Blanco, particularly over the holiday season.—
Dayna Haffenden,
People.com,
4 Jan. 2025
-
But the confidence surrounding their team under Travis Green’s coaching could help.—
Scott Powers,
The Athletic,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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One audience member, a lifelong resident, commented that funnelling fleeing motorists into a single highway encircling the lake would be dangerous.—
CalMatters,
The Mercury News,
20 Mar. 2025
-
The flower has a row of large outer petals (guard petals) encircling a center of petalodes or small, narrow yellow inner petals.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In 1977, a young American artist named Anna Sofaer found a spiral petroglyph near the top of Fajada Butte, one of the highest points in the park.—
Kevin West,
Travel + Leisure,
14 July 2025
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Beyond the reception area of the six-floor Art Deco building—a space decorated with a mustard leather sofa and walnut lounge chairs upholstered in black leather or blue velvet—is a spiral terrazzo staircase that guests can use to access the hotel’s suites.—
Michaela Trimble,
Vogue,
13 July 2025
Verb
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In a very different way, Newcastle gave it all afternoon, running and challenging and protecting each other, treading a careful line and sometimes crossing it.—
George Caulkin,
The Athletic,
27 Dec. 2024
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The military said the missile was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory, but police reported shrapnel from the interception fell in several towns.—
Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports,
arkansasonline.com,
26 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Circling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circling. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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