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as in to define
to mark the limits of Lake Michigan circumscribes the city of Chicago on the east

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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.
Recent Examples of circumscribe In so many ways, these women’s worlds are circumscribed by the men in their lives—even when the men are no longer there. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024 But even then, the building’s age circumscribed what NBT could do with it—and, by extension, its possibilities as a company. Marley Marius, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2024 For some offices, such as those at the Department of Homeland Security, the president’s latitude to designate acting officials under the Vacancies Act has been circumscribed by additional statutes and regulations. Theo Milonopoulos, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2023 At the same time, my role had become more clearly defined and circumscribed. Matthew Klam, The New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for circumscribe 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumscribe
Verb
  • Letters are limited to less than 250 words and must be signed (no pseudonyms nor initials).You must include your email address, address with city and daytime phone number for verification.
    Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2025
  • The Nets outscored them 52-40 in the paint and limited them to 41% shooting on the night.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Through Heart of the Kingdom, the franchise continues to deepen its connection with fans, celebrating the personal journeys that define the players and staff beyond the game.
    Mecca Pryor, Essence, 1 Feb. 2025
  • Uniquely is a Sacramento Bee series that covers the moments, landmarks and personalities that define what makes living in the Sacramento area so special.
    Graham Womack, Sacramento Bee, 1 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Economic barriers, restricted access to education, and regressive gender norms create additional hurdles.
    Kath Mackay, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2025
  • In addition to the substantial challenges posed by ongoing economic uncertainty and climate change, the president's policies could further intensify the situation, potentially restricting development, altering affordability and shifting market dynamics in unpredictable ways.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Such harassment and intimidation isn’t confined to Middle America.
    Kenny Torrella, Vox, 7 Feb. 2025
  • They were forced to live in dilapidated buildings with mold, sewage, and rodent issues, and were confined to their rooms for weeks on end.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Circumscribe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumscribe. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on circumscribe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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