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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in scopes
an area over which activity, capacity, or influence extends
within the compass of my voice
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in edges
the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something
within the compass of the city walls
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in implements
to carry through (as a process) to completion
attempting more than his modest abilities could compass
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in circles
to travel completely around
the great age of exploration, when ships of sail compassed the earth
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in surrounds
to form a circle around
a mysterious isle, compassed by treacherous seas
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of compasses
Luis Martinez, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
Likewise, this administration has demonstrated a talent for sudden pivots — foreign policy statements that change overnight, budget proposals that evaporate by morning, and messaging that suggests the communications team may be using different maps, compasses and time zones.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2026
In ordinary magnetic materials, unpaired electrons behave like tiny compasses and eventually align with one another.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 18 Jan. 2026
Over 1,000 years ago, explorers began using compasses, typically made with a floating cork or piece of wood with a magnetized needle in it, to find their way.
—Scott Brame, The Conversation, 16 Dec. 2025
Starting in 1910, the company served as the secretive supplier to the commandos of the Italian Navy, starting out crafting precision instruments such as gun sights and luminescent compasses before creating its first watches in 1935.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
Orienteering is an outdoor sport that requires athletes to navigate between checkpoints using maps and compasses.
—Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
Pilots learn to navigate using maps and compasses, as well as natural cues such as stars and terrain features including rivers, bridges and other landmarks to orient themselves and move toward friendly forces.
—Luis Martinez, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
Likewise, this administration has demonstrated a talent for sudden pivots — foreign policy statements that change overnight, budget proposals that evaporate by morning, and messaging that suggests the communications team may be using different maps, compasses and time zones.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2026
In ordinary magnetic materials, unpaired electrons behave like tiny compasses and eventually align with one another.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 18 Jan. 2026
Over 1,000 years ago, explorers began using compasses, typically made with a floating cork or piece of wood with a magnetized needle in it, to find their way.
—Scott Brame, The Conversation, 16 Dec. 2025
Starting in 1910, the company served as the secretive supplier to the commandos of the Italian Navy, starting out crafting precision instruments such as gun sights and luminescent compasses before creating its first watches in 1935.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
Orienteering is an outdoor sport that requires athletes to navigate between checkpoints using maps and compasses.
—Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compasses
Noun
-
Cocktails have been the beverage ecosystem’s keystone for the past decade, and a new crop of maestros is pushing into new directions.—
Chris Malloy,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Tariff uncertainty, the Iran conflict, spiking energy costs, and a stock market that has rattled retirement accounts are converging, hitting consumers from multiple directions.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Men in khaki stood with scopes on rooftops nearby, and questions among newer protesters circulated.—
Mark Dee,
Idaho Statesman,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Jonathan Cook testified that police also found 100 other firearms, scopes and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Bieber’s stage was large, roundish, and mostly bare, with a hilly ridge around the edges.—
Vinson Cunningham,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2026
-
For a bit more texture, cook until the edges of the whites are browned and crisp.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The authors recommend that the World Health Organization implements targets to reduce the use of consumer-product biocides in its next Global Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The Central Committee implements the decisions of the Party Congress, oversees the party’s policies between Party Congresses, and elects a Polit Bureau, which is the chief executive body of the party, and its general secretary.—
Andrew Pereira,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
As the vehicle circles the far side of the moon, communication back to Earth is expected to be blocked for about 40 minutes.—
Brendan Byrne,
NPR,
6 Apr. 2026
-
On Deck 10, furniture upholstered in La Rumba circles the main pool and an outdoor bar.—
Katherine McLaughlin,
Architectural Digest,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This line plots the current price back 26 periods in time.—
Karl Montevirgen,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Alexandre Dumas’s novel of identity and revenge gets a big-budget remake with Sam Claflin starring as Edmond Dantès, a sailor wrongly imprisoned in an island fortress who, after his escape and subsequent treasure finding, plots his vengeance.—
Savannah Salazar,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The vinyl rarities sold exclusively during the annual Record Store Day in April run from Taylor Swift to the Grateful Dead and local indie acts, but much of the appeal is the joyous atmosphere that surrounds the industry promotion.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Fort Worth school district’s Board of Managers are moving forward with plans to sell and develop the land that surrounds Farrington Field, the iconic 18,000-seat sports stadium used by a number of high schools in the district.—
Samuel O’Neal
April 14,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This Gulf Coast town knows how to turn on the charm for everyone, from artists to bird-watchers to anglers.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Ice Spice knows her way around a fast-food joint.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Compasses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compasses. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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