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 Suncoast encompasses about 150 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, and this stretch of shore offers unmatched terrain, with crystal waters as aqua blue and bright as a chlorinated pool, sand as soft as powdered sugar, and almost constant sunshine. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 June 2026 The show's breadth — encompassing immense tragedy as well as great optimism — and the depth of the actors' performances has been bringing Broadway audiences to their feet, often mid-act. ABC News, 6 June 2026 The company sees second-quarter revenue in a range of $865 million to $869 million, encompassing the LSEG consensus estimate of $866 million. Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 5 June 2026 Omakase dining has been on the rise in Chicago, encompassing everything from traditional Japanese to tacos. Jessi Roti, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 June 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 8 Jun. 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

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