1
as in limiting
to set bounds or an upper limit for
circumscribed his enthusiasm so as not to make the losing side feel worse
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in defining
to mark the limits of
Lake Michigan circumscribes the city of Chicago on the east
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of circumscribing
In quick succession, the Court began circumscribing Congress’s ability to define rights and act on its constitutional imagination.
—
Duncan Hosie,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2026
This wouldn’t be the first time the Court has avoided a head-on fight with the other branches, especially after Congress makes noise about circumscribing its authority.
—
Time,
14 Nov. 2025
Duncan Hosie,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2026
This wouldn’t be the first time the Court has avoided a head-on fight with the other branches, especially after Congress makes noise about circumscribing its authority.
—
Time,
14 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumscribing
Verb
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Kohl said venues and vendors that regularly work with celebrities are accustomed to strict nondisclosure agreements and limiting information to only those who need to know, reducing the risk of details leaking before an event.
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Backers like the California Chamber of Commerce say those changes would expedite public projects, though environmental groups warn of the environmental consequences of limiting CEQA’s oversight of new infrastructure.
Verb
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Look for flattering lengths, breathable fabrics, and waist-defining details.
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The last week has seen frenzy spill over for what will be an era-defining, royal-level wedding.
Verb
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In court documents, O’Hara alleged the defendants violated his First and Fourth Amendment rights, accusing them of unlawfully restricting free speech and initiating an unlawful seizure while using excessive force.
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Blanket bans may seem like an obvious solution, yet fisheries management rarely operates in a world of simple answers and restricting certain catches could affect livelihoods, food security and community traditions.
Cite this Entry
“Circumscribing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumscribing. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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