Thesaurus

compass

Q: How does the noun 'compass' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of compass are gamut , orbit , range , scope , and sweep . While all these words mean "the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control)," compass implies a sometimes limited extent of perception, knowledge, or activity. // your concerns lie beyond the narrow compass of this study

Q: When is 'gamut' a more appropriate choice than 'compass'?

While the synonyms gamut and compass are close in meaning, gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another. // a performance that ran the gamut of emotions

Q: When is it sensible to use 'orbit' instead of 'compass'?

In some situations, the words orbit and compass are roughly equivalent. However, orbit suggests an often circumscribed range of activity or influence within which forces work toward accommodation. // within that restricted orbit they tried to effect social change

Q: Where would 'range' be a reasonable alternative to 'compass'?

The meanings of range and compass largely overlap; however, range is a general term indicating the extent of one's perception or the extent of powers, capacities, or possibilities. // the entire range of human experience

Q: When could 'scope' be used to replace 'compass'?

The words scope and compass can be used in similar contexts, but scope is applicable to an area of activity, predetermined and limited, but somewhat flexible. // as time went on, the scope of the investigation widened

Q: In what contexts can 'sweep' take the place of 'compass'?

Although the words sweep and compass have much in common, sweep suggests extent, often circular or arc-shaped, of motion or activity. // the book covers the entire sweep of criminal activity

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of compass

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 a guiding or motivating purpose or principle

a young go-getter who lost his moral compass in the course of his quest for fame and fortune

Synonyms for compass

Words Related to compass

2 an area over which activity, capacity, or influence extends

within the compass of my voice

Synonyms for compass

Words Related to compass

frontier

3 the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something

within the compass of the city walls

Synonyms for compass

Words Related to compass

ambit

shore

Near Antonyms for compass

compass

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of compass (Entry 2 of 2)

1 to carry through (as a process) to completion

attempting more than his modest abilities could compass

Synonyms for compass

Words Related to compass

ace,
nail

work (at)

Phrases Synonymous with compass

go through

Near Antonyms for compass

fail

2 to travel completely around

the great age of exploration, when ships of sail compassed the earth

Synonyms for compass

Words Related to compass

3 to engage in a secret plan to accomplish evil or unlawful ends

the rebels are compassing the assassination of the king

Synonyms for compass

Words Related to compass

counterplot

4 to form a circle around

a mysterious isle, compassed by treacherous seas

Synonyms for compass

Words Related to compass

5 to have a clear idea of

the concept that the earth is billions of years old is one that the average mind struggles to compass

Synonyms for compass

Words Related to compass

realize

Phrases Synonymous with compass

pick up on

Near Antonyms for compass

Antonyms for compass

miss

Frequently Asked Questions About compass

How does the noun compass differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of compass are gamut, orbit, range, scope, and sweep. While all these words mean "the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control)," compass implies a sometimes limited extent of perception, knowledge, or activity.

your concerns lie beyond the narrow compass of this study

When is gamut a more appropriate choice than compass?

While the synonyms gamut and compass are close in meaning, gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another.

a performance that ran the gamut of emotions

When is it sensible to use orbit instead of compass?

In some situations, the words orbit and compass are roughly equivalent. However, orbit suggests an often circumscribed range of activity or influence within which forces work toward accommodation.

within that restricted orbit they tried to effect social change

Where would range be a reasonable alternative to compass?

The meanings of range and compass largely overlap; however, range is a general term indicating the extent of one's perception or the extent of powers, capacities, or possibilities.

the entire range of human experience

When could scope be used to replace compass?

The words scope and compass can be used in similar contexts, but scope is applicable to an area of activity, predetermined and limited, but somewhat flexible.

as time went on, the scope of the investigation widened