CIRCUMSCRIBE Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

circumscribe

verb

ˈsər-kəm-ˌskrīb

Definition of circumscribe next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to define

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Although the president’s pardon power is enshrined in the Constitution, Congress should move to circumscribe it around a few basic principles: No pardons should be permitted in exchange for anything of value. —

Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 27 Nov. 2025 In reality, as for most visiting celebrities, her itinerary was narrowly circumscribed. —

Zak Cheney-Rice, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2025 Like other forms of self expression, digital-communication technology has become dangerously circumscribed under Trump; only the tools that exist independent of Big Tech seem like safe bets for dissent. —

Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2025 But recently, Ware said that attacks have been circumscribed to far fewer victims - even when there was the opportunity to kill more. —

NPR, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumscribe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumscribe

Verb

Instead, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow bolstered the pitching staff with a lefty who doesn't throw hard but limits home runs and keeps batters off balance by changing speeds and hitting the corners.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Jan. 2026
Cotton told the Los Angeles Times that they were not only limited to the estate's size — needing rooms big enough for the famous round table — but also its unique vibe.

— Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026