1
as in traverses
to travel completely around
communication satellites encircling the earth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in surrounds
to form a circle around
immediately after announcing their engagement, the couple was encircled by their applauding friends
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 encircles
The polar jet stream is a ribbon of air that encircles the Northern Hemisphere at high altitudes and determines atmospheric pressure patterns.
—
Evan Bush, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2026
Instead, a bright ring of sunlight encircles the moon's silhouette, often called a 'ring of fire'.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 20 Feb. 2026
The trail encircles a large, ADA-accessible playground and also provides views of the South Bend skyline.
—Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Midwest Living, 4 Jan. 2026
Many travelers choose to explore the area via the Ring of Kerry, the scenic drive that encircles the peninsula.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025
Instead of a mountain of mounded mulch, aim for more of a doughnut shape of mulch that encircles the trunk.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025
Each element encircles a central void, which Robertson describes as symbolic thresholds–portals between identities, spaces, and ideas.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Of course, the vote passes and the Imperial Fleet encircles the planet, all according to plan.
—Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 9 Aug. 2025
Evan Bush, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2026
Instead, a bright ring of sunlight encircles the moon's silhouette, often called a 'ring of fire'.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 20 Feb. 2026
The trail encircles a large, ADA-accessible playground and also provides views of the South Bend skyline.
—Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Midwest Living, 4 Jan. 2026
Many travelers choose to explore the area via the Ring of Kerry, the scenic drive that encircles the peninsula.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025
Instead of a mountain of mounded mulch, aim for more of a doughnut shape of mulch that encircles the trunk.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025
Each element encircles a central void, which Robertson describes as symbolic thresholds–portals between identities, spaces, and ideas.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Of course, the vote passes and the Imperial Fleet encircles the planet, all according to plan.
—Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 9 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encircles
Verb
-
While oil that traverses the strait is usually bound for Asia and other places rather than North America, the chaos still affects the United States.—
Nicholas Riccardi,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Running daily between the two cities, the train traverses 381 miles in about 11 hours.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
One of the key lessons UConn’s veterans took from last year’s championship run was the importance of focus, of quieting the noise that surrounds the bracket and the program’s unmatched legacy of success.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Littleleaf boxwood surrounds one planting area filled with iceberg roses.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Editing compounds that issue, and not even a familiar and fun soundtrack can distract from a narrative that endlessly circles the same jokes and conflicts without properly deepening them.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Anthony Arceneaux, who owns the spot with his wife, Jennifer, circles the room in a white cowboy hat, shaking hands like a Presidential candidate.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Psyche is a nickel-iron core asteroid that orbits the sun beyond Mars anywhere from 235 million to 309 million miles away.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Abigail is the one who clearly thrills to performance; Shaun consistently orbits her sun, giving the impression of the bearded and bespectacled multi-instrumentalist who’d be happy jamming on the sidelines.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
To honor the occasion, David Rockecharlie, Chief Executive Officer, joined by Chris Taylor, NYSE Vice President and Head of Listings and Services, rings The Opening Bell®.—
TipRanks.com Staff,
CNBC,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Cala Pregonda, Menorca Just an island over from the tourist-trodden Mallorca, Menorca feels a world away—a sentiment that rings even more true in the north of the island.—
Catherine Tansey,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Stay curious and open to being surprised by who crosses your path.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The 8-mile-long singletrack crosses an unimproved 4WD road that leads back to the trailhead, so there are multiple bail options.—
Graham Averill,
Outside,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encircles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encircles. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
