encompass

verb

en·​com·​pass in-ˈkəm-pəs 

en-,

 also  -ˈkäm-

encompassed; encompassing; encompasses

transitive verb

1

a

: include, comprehend

a plan that encompasses a number of aims

b

: envelop

2

a

: to form a circle about : enclose

b

obsolete : to go completely around

3

: bring about, accomplish

encompass a task

encompassment

in-ˈkəm-pə-smənt 

en-

 also  -ˈkäm-

noun

Synonyms

• surround
• encircle

Examples of encompass in a Sentence

The district encompasses most of the downtown area.

a neighborhood encompassed by a highway

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, Lyricist Lounge stands as a hip-hop legacy brand, one that encompasses a record label and events that nurture the underlooked growing world of rap enthusiasts. —Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

The deal encompasses gasoline, hybrid and electric power trains, deepening the giant automakers’ alliance. —Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 10 Aug. 2025

Frimpong’s order applies in the California judicial district that encompasses the Los Angeles metro area. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2025

The salad tomato category encompasses hundreds of varieties ranging from bite-sized fruit the size of a marble to tomatoes as large as a ping pong ball. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for encompass

• compass
• rumpus

Kids Definition

encompass

verb

en·​com·​pass in-ˈkəm-pəs 

-ˈkäm-

1

: to form a circle about : surround

2

a

: to cover or surround especially so as to hide or protect

b

: to take in as a part : include

encompassment

-mənt 

noun