circumference

noun

sər-ˈkəm(p)-fərn(t)s How to pronounce circumference (audio)
Definition of circumferencenext
1
as in diameter
the distance around a round body the circumference of the earth at the equator

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in perimeter
the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something a silly little affair that's of interest to no one beyond the circumference of this campus

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 circumference The ratio of a person’s waist to hip circumference, or their waist circumference to height are pretty good estimators of their abdominal fat deposits. — Literary Hub, 17 Aug. 2026 The Sierra Club, an environmental nonprofit, is planning to appeal the permits the city issued to remove five trees from the site, including a black olive with a trunk that’s nearly six feet in circumference. — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026 Researchers looked at waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 Malnutrition rates were determined by weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) and mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC). — Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for circumference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumference
  1. diameter
  2. perimeter
  3. radius
  4. edge
  5. equator
  6. boundary
  7. rim
  8. border
Noun
  • The city defines heritage trees as native to North Carolina and at least 30 inches in diameter.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 16 Oct. 2026
  • All branches must be in bundles smaller than 2 feet in diameter and 4 feet long and tied with twine or jute rope.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of diameter
Noun
  • An invite-only Rocket Variant replaces standard features with a single-seat configuration and perimeter thrusters for true flight, rendering it non-road-legal.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Bouquets of flowers, candles and toys line the crosswalk outside the police perimeter in tribute to the victims.
    — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of perimeter
Noun
  • In addition, a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place near the fire zone at a 5-nautical-mile radius, below 3,500 feet.
    — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Within a tight radius there’s an ever-increasing collection of boutiques, full-service spas and wellness facilities, Pilates studios, cafes, bars and restaurants featuring fare from around the globe.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of radius
Noun
  • Yet, as in many speculative markets, sophisticated participants often have access to better information, stronger analytical tools and more advanced risk-management techniques than retail participants, giving them an informational edge.
    — Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The eastern edge of the park is the north-south alley that serves businesses along Laramie.
    — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • Earth experiences two equinoxes each year — the first in March and the second in September — when the sun crosses the celestial equator, an imaginary line in the sky directly above Earth's equator.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • This is the moment when the sun crosses directly above Earth's equator, moving south into the celestial sphere.
    — Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of equator
Noun
  • The arch would be built in the middle of a traffic circle tucked inside Washington's boundaries near Arlington National Cemetery.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Greece and Turkey, both NATO members, have been embroiled for decades in disputes over maritime boundaries in the Aegean Sea and eastern Mediterranean, as well as the divided island of Cyprus.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of boundary
Noun
  • The smart device clamps onto the inner rim of a toilet bowl and uses sensors to analyze waste, tracking things like hydration, gut health, and the presence of blood in the bowl; the device then sends personalized health insights to a companion app.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Antetokounmpo was a force on both ends of the court, using his unique combination of size, athleticism, strength and speed to make plays in the open court and also serve as a rim protector.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of rim
Noun
  • Ukrainian drones killed a woman in a Russian border region and disrupted flights at Moscow's airports, according to Russian authorities.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • His income will be augmented by a deal to help control Haiti’s porous border with the Dominican Republic for the next 10 years in return for 10% of any new customs revenue collected.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of border

Browse Nearby Words

circumambulating
circumference
circumferences
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Cite this Entry

“Circumference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumference. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on circumference

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about circumference

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