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circumscribe

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of circumscribe

1 to set bounds or an upper limit for

  • circumscribed his enthusiasm so as not to make the losing side feel worse
Synonyms of circumscribe

cap, confine, hold down, limit, restrict
Words Related to circumscribe

bar, block, hamper, hinder, impede, obstruct

constrict, contract, lessen, narrow, pinch, squeeze, tighten

quell, repress, suppress

number

modify, qualify
Near Antonyms of circumscribe

broaden, expand, widen

overextend, overreach
Antonyms of circumscribe

exceed

2 to mark the limits of

  • Lake Michigan circumscribes the city of Chicago on the east
Synonyms of circumscribe

bound, define, delimit, demarcate, demark, limit, mark (off), terminate
Words Related to circumscribe

control, determine, govern

delineate, describe

Synonym Discussion of circumscribe

limit, restrict, circumscribe, confine mean to set bounds for. limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go.
    • visits are limited to 30 minutes
restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary.
    • laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press
circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.
    • the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed
confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.
    • our choices were confined by finances

Learn More about circumscribe

  1. See words that rhyme with circumscribe Dictionary: Definition of circumscribe Spanish Central: Translation of circumscribe Nglish: Translation of circumscribe for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of circumscribe for Arabic speakers

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