adj
Uncommon
circulated
Circulated (adj) means Passed around or spread so it reaches many people or places. Example: “A widely circulated photo sparked the controversy.”
adj
1
Passed around or spread so it reaches many people or places.
"A widely circulated photo sparked the controversy."
"The circulated memo explained the new rules to all the staff."
"A widely circulated rumour spread through the village within hours."
How to use circulated
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe past-tense/adjective form of "circulate" — something that has been spread or passed around.
Common pairings
widely circulated
circulated report
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A widely _____ photo sparked the controversy.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for circulated
See all rhymes for circulated →Frequently asked questions
What does “circulated” mean?
The word “circulated” means passed around or spread so it reaches many people or places. In plain terms, the past-tense/adjective form of "circulate" — something that has been spread or passed around.
How do you use “circulated” in a sentence?
Here is “circulated” used in a sentence: “A widely circulated photo sparked the controversy.”
What part of speech is “circulated”?
“Circulated” is an adjective.
Is “circulated” a common word?
“Circulated” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "circulated" and "distributed"?
"Circulated" implies something was passed around or spread so it reaches many people or places, often gradually, while "distributed" suggests a more deliberate, organized act of giving something out to specific recipients. A rumor is typically "circulated," while an official report might be formally "distributed."
Can "circulated" describe something other than information?
Yes, "circulated" can describe physical things like currency, air, or blood being passed around or moved through a system, in addition to information or rumors being spread among people. In each case, the core meaning involves movement outward and around.
Is "circulated" used for both true and false information?
Yes, "circulated" is neutral about accuracy and simply describes that something spread so it reached many people or places, whether the content was true, false, or unverified. Surrounding context usually clarifies whether the circulated information was accurate.
