Definition of circumscriptionnext
1
as in restriction
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice such circumscriptions on the freedom of speech are antithetical to a free and open society

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2
as in limitation
the act or practice of keeping something (as an activity) within certain boundaries electronic monitoring bracelets are sometimes used to impose a circumscription of movement on people awaiting trial

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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 circumscription Thanks to its constitutional provenance, presidential pardon power faces little legal circumscription and minimal disclosure requirements for clemency advocacy efforts. — Willem Marx, Vanity Fair, 18 Feb. 2026 Their circumscription, however, does not make Assad’s current priorities less dangerous. — Lina Khatib, Foreign Affairs, 17 Jan. 2020 Longtime readers of the site, though, have noted that the site no longer functions this way, in part because the Internet isn’t currently a space conducive to blinders and circumscription. — Ross Scarano, Billboard, 6 May 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumscription
Noun
  • Elsewhere on the ballot, Miami-Dade voters rejected a referendum loosening restrictions on advertising in county parks.
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Transgender restrictions are proposed in several states Voters in Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska and Washington are considering measures restricting transgender athletes or medical procedures.
    — David A. Lieb, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • If successful, the work could offer defense engineers another way to overcome processing limitations.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
  • People with osteoporosis, previous fractures or physical limitations may need guidance on appropriate movements and loads.
    — Priya Bhardwaj, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Trump, frustrated by domestic constraints, could use more force against Iran to try to secure his legacy.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Beijing treats 70% import dependence as an implicit red line – which puts copper, lithium, cobalt, nickel, bauxite and iron ore under a hard national security constraint to expand supply abroad, Wang said.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Circumscription.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumscription. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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