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.
The property encompasses a generous 6,912 square feet of land. Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 17 Sep. 2025 Today, the program encompasses eight initiatives that work to help underrepresented students make it to college and go on to earn their degrees. Silas Allen september 16, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2025 The sanctions imposed against the Iranian regime should encompass all sectors, including the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, which continues to censor and suppress artistic freedom. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025 Youth, education, death, art, distant places, the natural world—a single day can encompass a lot. Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 16 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Encompass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encompass. Accessed 17 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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