as in roundabout
not straightforward or direct
a rather circular discussion of the problem that never addresses it directly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in booklet
a short printed publication with no cover or with a paper cover
promptly tosses out those advertising circulars that come in the newspaper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of circular
Shea Simmons, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Jan. 2025
How to use: Apply the shampoo directly to the scalp and massage in circular motions to ensure a thorough cleanse.
—Erin Parker, Allure, 3 Jan. 2025
Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 25 Sep. 2024
Singapore’s state food agency (SFA) has approved 16 species of edible insects for sale and consumption in the country, according to a July 8 public circular addressed to food traders.
—Heather Chen, CNN, 9 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for circular 
Adjective
Its circular design fits the decor perfectly while leaving room to prevent damage to any bobbles and accessories.
—Shea Simmons, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Jan. 2025
How to use: Apply the shampoo directly to the scalp and massage in circular motions to ensure a thorough cleanse.
—Erin Parker, Allure, 3 Jan. 2025
Noun
Kate's meeting on Sept. 24 was listed in the court circular — the official rundown of duties the royal family undertakes — which is published in U.K. newspapers including The Times.
—Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 25 Sep. 2024
Singapore’s state food agency (SFA) has approved 16 species of edible insects for sale and consumption in the country, according to a July 8 public circular addressed to food traders.
—Heather Chen, CNN, 9 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for circular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circular
Adjective
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Luke Vetter took a roundabout way to celebrate his birthday for Lincoln-Way East.Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025
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Kaitlin Nowak has since responded to the news in a roundabout way.Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The incoming first lady held her booklet right-side up.Andre Byik, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025
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The booklet has also inspired a private initiative called Project Gather, which aims in 2025 to foster connection and build community through food.Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The deal comes after weeks of a number of intensive rounds of indirect negotiations in the Qatari capital Doha between Israel and Hamas, mediated by facilitators from U.S., Egypt and Qatar.Michele Kelemen, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025
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This occurs when a high percentage of people in a community have developed immunity, ensuring that future outbreaks affect fewer individuals and are quickly contained. Humans, of course, are not the only species that benefits from the direct and indirect protections of vaccines.Simon F. Haeder, The Conversation, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The leaflet also notes that the value of the deal is not being disclosed but that no other bids have been invited.K.J. Yossman, Variety, 4 Dec. 2024
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In November, Israeli jets began dropping leaflets, warning the residents of Khan Younis to evacuate.Dorothy Wickenden, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024
Noun
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But both can be sold for the same price, according to the brochure, which estimated that 1,000 bottles of Purezza water sold at $5 per bottle could generate $13,200 in annual profit for the seller.Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024
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The brochure says to allow about 90 minutes for the round trip and to take plenty of water, especially when hiking in the summer.Sheila Yount, arkansasonline.com, 29 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Since gathering all your critical documents can be time-consuming, Albertini suggests starting with the essentials and keeping them in a secure, accessible folder.Mike Winters, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2025
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The home page has a folder dedicated to Google apps, as well as a game center for managing game captures and settings.PCMAG, PCMAG, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Snakes and other strange items intercepted at TSA checkpoints Snakes and other strange items intercepted at TSA checkpoints 03:06 Frequent flyers know what not to bring on a flight, but some travelers still come up with creative ways to bypass Transportation Security Administration officials.Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2025
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Frequent flyers will have a new way to earn airline miles without ever leaving the ground.Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Still, many colonists had not seriously considered separating from the mother country—until a history-making pamphlet was published in the City of Brotherly Love on January 10, 1776.Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025
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Recycle old manuals and menus Many instruction manuals can be found online, and restaurant menus change too often to rely on a pamphlet from 2018.Bridget Reed Morawski, Architectural Digest, 3 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near circular
Cite this Entry
“Circular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circular. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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