encompass

verb

en·​com·​pass in-ˈkəm-pəs How to pronounce encompass (audio)
en-
also -ˈkäm-
encompassed; encompassing; encompasses
Synonyms of encompassnext

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 How to pronounce encompass (audio)
en-
also -ˈkäm-
noun

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
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.
Lower said legislators should create a fourth class of e-bikes to encompass those that ride faster than 28 mph. Alissa Gary, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026 The Gettysburg National Military Park encompasses nearly 6,000 acres of land, preserving the site of the Battle of Gettysburg. Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026 The district runs along the Mississippi River from the Delta region south toward Natchez and east to Jackson, encompassing many rural counties as well as the state’s largest city. Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 11 Mar. 2026 Lower said legislators should create a fourth class of e-bikes to encompass those that ride faster than 28 mph. Alissa Gary, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for encompass

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of encompass was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Encompass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encompass. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

encompass

verb
en·​com·​pass in-ˈkəm-pəs How to pronounce encompass (audio)
-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 noun

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