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.
The primary driver now is its Infrastructure Solutions Group, which encompasses servers, storage, and networking — the vital equipment that fuels data centers. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 As manufacturing continues to evolve, the definition of success will increasingly encompass resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness. CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026 The stairs are included in the La Jolla Park Coastal Historic District, which also encompasses places such as La Jolla Cove, the Children’s Pool, the Casa de Mañana retirement community and the Red Roost and Red Rest cottages. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026 His business, which started in his parents’ neighborhood in Mansfield, now encompasses much of the Metroplex. Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 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 28 Jan. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on encompass

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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