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encompass

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

Definition of encompass

transitive verb

1a : include, comprehend a plan that encompasses a number of aims
b : envelop
2a : to form a circle about : enclose
b obsolete : to go completely around
3 : bring about, accomplish encompass a task
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Other Words from encompass

encompassment \ in-​ˈkəm-​pə-​smənt How to pronounce encompassment (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 The legislation was filed last Thursday by Democrat Heather A. Steans, who represents a Senate district encompassing much of Chicago. — Danielle Garrand, CBS News, "New Illinois bill aims to remove religious exemptions for vaccines in state," 20 Feb. 2020 Nevada is nearly 30% Latino, over 10% black and encompasses one of the nation's fastest-growing Asian-American and Pacific Islander populations. — Kendall Karson, ABC News, "Democrats set to clash at Las Vegas debate with Bloomberg in their sights," 19 Feb. 2020 This information is then compiled in a dossier encompassing each subject's relatives, community and religious background. — Fox News, "Database shows how China targets minority Uighur Muslims," 18 Feb. 2020 The new building encompasses more than 8,000 square feet, more than twice the previous facility. — Creg Stephenson | Cstephenson@al.com, al, "South Alabama baseball opens new Jon Lieber Clubhouse for 2020 season," 14 Feb. 2020 This network will focus on developing research, clinical, and operational improvements across many clinical pathways by leveraging patient data encompassing one-third of London’s population, far larger than the reach of any individual organization. — Robert C. Miller, STAT, "Federated learning: collaboration without compromise for health care research," 13 Feb. 2020 None of these concepts are encompassed by Republican (or libertarian) views, and most people in the heartland just want a chance to succeed on their own, free of government assistance. — WSJ, "There’s No Republican Case for Sen. Warren," 6 Feb. 2020 And despite growth in the Downtown and Ohio City neighborhoods, both of which are now in Ward 3, a new ward encompassing those neighborhoods also pushes along the lake shore to the Lakewood border to reach about 43,500 residents. — Robert Higgs, cleveland, "What would Cleveland look like with nine wards? Dramatically larger wards with diminished neighborhood identities," 6 Feb. 2020 This is a company shift from its previous strategy of opening stores in malls or encompassing a small part of some JCPenney locations. — Natalia E. Contreras, Indianapolis Star, "Sephora chooses Carmel as part of nationwide expansion," 6 Feb. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'encompass.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of encompass

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

History and Etymology for encompass

Middle English

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Time Traveler for encompass

Time Traveler

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

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Statistics for encompass

Last Updated

26 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Encompass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encompass. Accessed 29 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for encompass

encompass

verb
How to pronounce encompass (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of encompass

: to include (something) as a part
: to cover or surround (an area)

See the full definition for encompass in the English Language Learners Dictionary

encompass

verb
en·​com·​pass | \ in-ˈkəm-pəs How to pronounce encompass (audio) \
encompassed; encompassing

Kids Definition of encompass

1 : to cover or surround : encircle Mountains encompass the peaceful valley.
2 : include The subject of social studies encompasses history, civics, and geography.

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More from Merriam-Webster on encompass

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for encompass

Spanish Central: Translation of encompass

Nglish: Translation of encompass for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of encompass for Arabic Speakers

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