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 Surgery eligibility is primarily driven by BMI; however, there is a movement to consider waist circumference because of the associated risks, according to Serlie. — Crystal Gwizdala, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026 The stadium will slightly increase its footplate — or increases the building’s circumference, so to speak. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026 This boot’s shaft circumference is a godsend for women with wider-than-average calves, doing away with that constricting feeling once and for all. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 20 July 2026 Researchers also measured participants’ waist circumference, weight, and body composition, as well as fasting levels of the hormones leptin, ghrelin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which help regulate hunger. — Brian Mastroianni, Health, 20 July 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
  • Tropical Hibiscus Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), as the name suggests, is native to tropical climates in Asia and produces dramatic, vibrant flowers that can grow up to 6 inches in diameter with protruding stamens.
    — Shelby Vittek, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The leaves and trunks of my magnolia are covered with gray to brown spots up to an inch or more in diameter?
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of diameter
Noun
  • The cougar was found lying on the sidewalk under the shade of a tree, where deputies set up a perimeter to keep vehicles and people away.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • This mix of modernity and tradition works well, both inside and out, where a stroll around the ground’s perimeter switches quickly from feeling gloriously old-school to being brought right up to date.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of perimeter
Noun
  • The results of those tests were then compared to an 11th school campus, which was located outside of the radius and used as a reference site.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Now, the Halloween retailer looks to place its stores in locations with more than 35,000 people within a 3- to 5-mile radius.
    — Blaise Mesa, jsonline.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of radius
Noun
  • In addition, Greg Rousseau and Bradley Chubb were the only edge-rushing outside linebackers on the field for the Bills’ first-team defense.
    — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • And this year, the popular concept will be revisited in a new mid-top form, giving the shoe an even more boot-like edge.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • Because the eclipse also occurs close to Earth’s equator, observers remain inside the moon’s shadow for more than six minutes.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • And while the Apollo landings stuck close to the lunar equator, landing near the south pole is substantially more complex and requires more powerful vehicles.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of equator
Noun
  • Known for her dry sense of humor, passion for horses and being the hardest working royal, Princess Anne has also maintained strict boundaries about her privacy and kept her family away from the spotlight.
    — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026
  • In 2024, the European Union applied the Digital Services Act to online social media platforms, laying out strict boundaries on content moderation, safety, and transparency.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of boundary
Noun
  • Some American Standard models also include a series of openings in the rim that create a power flush, rinsing away material that often collects under the rim over time.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Commands reach a rover by way of relay satellites, and crater rims can block the line of sight to those relays.
    — Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of rim
Noun
  • Both the government and the Houthis have reported clashes and drone strikes along many parts of the frontlines, which stretch several hundred miles from the Red Sea coast to Yemen’s border with Oman.
    — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • About 600 residents in nearby municipalities in Waimes and Bütgenbach, in Liège province near the German border, were told to evacuate Saturday as winds shifted and smoke spread through the area.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of border

Browse Nearby Words

circumambulating
circumference
circumferences
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Circumference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumference. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on circumference

Nglish: Translation of circumference for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about circumference

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