1
as in directions
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
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2
as in scopes
an area over which activity, capacity, or influence extends
within the compass of my voice
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3
as in edges
the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something
within the compass of the city walls
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1
as in fulfils
to carry through (as a process) to completion
attempting more than his modest abilities could compass
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2
as in circles
to travel completely around
the great age of exploration, when ships of sail compassed the earth
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3
as in plots
to engage in a secret plan to accomplish evil or unlawful ends
the rebels are compassing the assassination of the king
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4
as in surrounds
to form a circle around
a mysterious isle, compassed by treacherous seas
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5
as in knows
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
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Cite this Entry
“Compasses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compasses. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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More from Merriam-Webster on compasses
Nglish: Translation of compasses for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of compasses for Arabic Speakers
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