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 Amber Meadow project will encompass roughly 1,500 acres, with about 900 of those under solar panels, a NextEra Energy Resources spokesperson said in a statement. — Kristi Swartz, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026

While these products may help support lymphatic processes in some users, the quality of that support hinges on consistent use as part of a larger, more encompassing routine. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

If completed, the sale would shore up Spain's leadership in a strategic sector by creating a new olive oil giant that would encompass a range of brands and secure a roughly 15% share of national consumption. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026

The sector reaches farther inland from the border, encompassing more than 100 counties in Texas and Oklahoma. — Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 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