Synonyms of circumscribe

circumscribe

verb

ˈsər-kəm-ˌskrīb 

1

as in to limit

to set bounds or an upper limit for

circumscribed his enthusiasm so as not to make the losing side feel worse

Synonyms & Similar Words

• limit
• restrict
• confine
• tighten
• hold down
• hinder
• cap
• impede
• obstruct
• narrow
• suppress
• block
• modify
• hamper
• repress
• lessen
• constrict
• bar
• number
• squeeze
• contract
• quell
• qualify
• pinch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• exceed
• expand
• broaden
• widen
• overextend
• overreach

2

as in to define

to mark the limits of

Lake Michigan circumscribes the city of Chicago on the east

Synonyms & Similar Words

• define
• limit
• delimit
• bound
• describe
• demarcate
• mark (off)
• govern
• demark
• terminate
• control
• determine
• delineate

Synonym Chooser

How is the word circumscribe different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of circumscribe are confine, limit, and restrict. While all these words mean "to set bounds for," circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.

the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

When can confine be used instead of circumscribe?

Although the words confine and circumscribe have much in common, confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.

our choices were confined by finances

When is limit a more appropriate choice than circumscribe?

While in some cases nearly identical to circumscribe, 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

When might restrict be a better fit than circumscribe?

The words restrict and circumscribe can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of circumscribe

Imagine circumscribing topics of conservation with yellow police tape around them – topics that almost instantly trigger conflict. —Lisa Pavia-Higel, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025

The junta has pledged to stage elections within a year, even though its capacity to hold a vote—even a sham one—seems hugely circumscribed, both by war and by the March earthquake. —Ye Myo Hein, Foreign Affairs, 17 Apr. 2025

My mother-in-law had gallbladder problems that greatly circumscribed her choice of meals. —Hazlitt, 2 Apr. 2025

Similarly, the tradition of the filibuster—which increases the leverage of individual senators and circumscribes the majority—has grown tenuous. —David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!