circulate
10 synonyms for circulate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To move continuously through a system, or to travel around and mix with a group of people.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use circulate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
circulate a memo
blood circulates
rumours circulate
Etymology
From Late Latin circulatus, past participle of circulare ("to make circular, encircle"), from circulus ("a circle").
Full origin of circulate →Frequently asked questions
What does “circulate” mean?
The word “circulate” means to move continuously through a system, or to travel around and mix with a group of people. In plain terms, to move around continuously (like blood or air) or to spread from person to person (like news or a rumour).
How do you pronounce “circulate”?
“Circulate” is pronounced SUR-kyuu-layt (/ˈsɝ.kjʊˌleɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “circulate” in a sentence?
Here is “circulate” used in a sentence: “Blood circulates through the body via the heart and vessels.”
What is another word for “circulate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “circulate” include put about, spread and disseminate.
What part of speech is “circulate”?
“Circulate” is a verb.
Where does the word “circulate” come from?
The word “circulate” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin circulatus, past participle of circulare ("to make circular, encircle"), from circulus ("a circle").
Is “circulate” a common word?
“Circulate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “circulate” have?
“Circulate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move continuously through a system, or to travel around and mix with a group of people.
