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compass

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verb

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as in to circle
to travel completely around the great age of exploration, when ships of sail compassed the earth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

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

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

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 compass
Noun
The First Edition offers Bentley’s captivating Rotating Display (otherwise optional), a smooth veneer fascia situated in the center of the dash that rotates to reveal a 12.3-inch digital touchscreen or three classic analog instruments showing outside air temperature, a compass, and a chronometer. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 11 June 2025 Learning to use an old-fashioned map and compass — and bringing them with you — can mean the difference between a planned day hike and spending the night in the wilderness. Amanda Loudin, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Verb
The wind sighs: Save me, Lord, for the waters have compassed my soul. Tomas Tranströmer, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024 Abigail Jackson The adjacent dining area is dedicated to family heirlooms like a set of Allan Gould compass chairs from Kate’s interior designer grandmother and a red vintage rug from her great-grandparents. Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for compass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compass
Noun
  • Emerging from the London Underground, Turnpike Lane has a bustling shopping area in either direction: cafés, supermarkets and takeaways with plenty of people mulling about.
    Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • This after Windows 11 dipped and Windows 10 recovered in May, widening the gap between new and old in the wrong direction.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Unless policy reflects the full scope of physical and financial risk, not just short-term political cycles, systems that look solid on paper may collapse under pressure.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The language would have required a plaintiff seeking an emergency court order or preliminary injunction against the administration to pay a costly bond up front, limiting the scope of legal action against Trump’s executive actions.
    Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Those are 3-point shooting, second-unit scoring and perimeter defense.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 27 June 2025
  • See live video from the area: Fire containment This is what 65% containment means Containment indicates what percentage of the fire perimeter has been surrounded by a control line.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Dude’s a lifelong utility player — rock solid on guitar and vocals with the family band, while Willie circles the beat, and a team player with frequent Neil Young backing crew Promise of the Real.
    Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025
  • If all goes to plan, the spacecraft will circle Earth two or three times and then be recovered.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Sitting around the long table in the Cabinet Room, Netanyahu reminded Trump that Iran had plotted to assassinate him, according to one of the officials who attended the meeting.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 19 June 2025
  • The State of Connecticut on Wednesday dropped criminal contempt charges against Michelle Troconis, who’s already serving more than 14 years for helping plot the murder of her then-boyfriend’s estranged wife, Jennifer Farber Dulos.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • The deal comes amid intrigue surrounding the sale of other baseball teams too.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 24 June 2025
  • Seven-year-old Zeina roams the hills that surround her village on a rusty bike.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • The Trump administration said the strikes destroyed Iran's nuclear infrastructure, but the full extent of the damage is not known.
    Sonam Sheth Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • By the time the Sox turned the corner in ’20, those core players were all well known by Sox fans and contributed to the early optimism.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • That extent is probably not a $7 million contract, which is what both AFP Analytics and Evolving Hockey project on a long-term deal.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • Protecting the safety of our communities and upholding the integrity of lawful demonstrations are priorities, and those who cross the line into violence will be prosecuted swiftly and to the fullest extent of the law.
    Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 18 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compass. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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