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as in to define
to mark the limits of Lake Michigan circumscribes the city of Chicago on the east

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word circumscribe different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of circumscribe are confine, limit, and restrict. While all these words mean "to set bounds for," circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.

the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

When can confine be used instead of circumscribe?

Although the words confine and circumscribe have much in common, confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.

our choices were confined by finances

When is limit a more appropriate choice than circumscribe?

While in some cases nearly identical to circumscribe, limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go.

visits are limited to 30 minutes

When might restrict be a better fit than circumscribe?

The words restrict and circumscribe can be used in similar contexts, but restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary.

laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

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 circumscribe Imagine circumscribing topics of conservation with yellow police tape around them – topics that almost instantly trigger conflict. Lisa Pavia-Higel, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025 The junta has pledged to stage elections within a year, even though its capacity to hold a vote—even a sham one—seems hugely circumscribed, both by war and by the March earthquake. Ye Myo Hein, Foreign Affairs, 17 Apr. 2025 My mother-in-law had gallbladder problems that greatly circumscribed her choice of meals. Hazlitt, 2 Apr. 2025 Similarly, the tradition of the filibuster—which increases the leverage of individual senators and circumscribes the majority—has grown tenuous. David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumscribe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumscribe
Verb
  • That limit will remain at the $40,000 limit set in the House bill, but it will be limited to a five-year period, rather than 10 years.
    Ani Freedman, Fortune, 29 June 2025
  • The White House planned to limit classified information flow to Congress following the leak, which immediately prompted pushback from Democrats.
    Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Changeable tastes and desires define your next four months.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 7 July 2025
  • Tons of shoppers are going after this Maybelline liquid blush that provides a natural yet pigmented flush, as well as this CoverGirl mascara that lengthens and defines lashes in one fell swoop.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • North Korea restricts freedom of movement and suffers from persistent economic hardships, with around 60% of North Koreans estimated to be in poverty.
    Se Eun Gong, NPR, 5 July 2025
  • As a result of the vote on Park’s motion, the city’s Department of Transportation will restrict tour buses from any area declared part of a natural disaster emergency, and the ban will last through the duration of the emergency response.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • And those who really are interested in committing capital are those confined to the markets.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • This seemingly apocalyptic scenario wasn’t confined to Antarctica.
    Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Circumscribe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumscribe. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on circumscribe

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