encompass

verb

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

transitive verb

1
a
: include, comprehend
a plan that encompasses a number of aims
b
2
a
: to form a circle about : enclose
b
obsolete : to go completely around
3
: bring about, accomplish
encompass a task
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.
Others encompass a greater range and variety of movements and exercises like Pilates. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 For the previous benchmark revision, which encompassed the 12 months prior to March 2024, the initial total was 818,000 fewer jobs, later adjusted in February 2025 to 598,000, still the largest downward move since 2009. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025 The data, gathered from 139 mice, encompass activity from more than 600,000 neurons in 279 areas of the brain — about 95% of the brain in a mouse. Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025 How segments of Christianity overlap with the manosphere The manosphere — a movement encompassing hypermasculinity, male supremacy, misogyny and traditional gender roles and driven by podcasters, bloggers and social media warriors — has become increasingly mainstream. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for encompass

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

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

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

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Cite this Entry

“Encompass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encompass. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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

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