encompass

verb

en·​com·​pass in-ˈkəm-pəs 

en-

also -ˈkäm-

encompassed; encompassing; encompasses

transitive verb

1

: to include as a part of a whole or group

a plan that encompasses a number of aims

The ranch encompasses more than 2,500 acres of prime forest …

—Stuart D. Strahl

That success soon mushroomed into an empire encompassing toys, games, animations and all manner of consumer gewgaws.

—Charlie Campbell

2

a

: envelop

A thick fog encompassed the city.

b

: to form a circle about : enclose

a small village encompassed by mountains

c

obsolete : to travel completely around

3

dated : bring about, accomplish

… Jiu Jitsu, the … art of making an opponent use his strength to encompass his own defeat.

—TIME

encompassment

in-ˈkəm-pə-smənt 

en-

also -ˈkäm-

noun

Synonyms of encompass

• 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

The senior official said the broader regional agreement encompasses Lebanon, Israel, and Gulf states but would not deprive Israel of the right to defend itself. —Nik Popli, Time, 12 June 2026

In 2024, Cooper signed a multiyear deal with SiriusXM, encompassing ad sales, distribution and more. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 11 June 2026

The sprawling coastal property encompasses roughly 3,700 acres of pastureland, woodlands, lochs, and more than three miles of dramatic shoreline. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 11 June 2026

The district encompasses Elk Grove and portions of Sacramento. —Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

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

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