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
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
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
-
The California Highway Patrol also temporarily shut down State Route 330 in both directions to secure the scene.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Follow the box directions to make this on the stove or in the microwave.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The gem allows enthusiasts to peer through the observatory’s telescope for an intimate look at the lunar rise or set up their own scopes on the park’s flat viewing areas.—
Dana Sauchelli,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Reflecting different creative approaches and scopes of production.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
These changes, as well as, wearing bangs were a major key to keeping her edges strong.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Starting this morning, travelers across the United States are facing unprecedented flight disruptions as the Federal Aviation Administration implements emergency reductions at 40 major airports nationwide.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Beyond costs, Rick implements visibility across other fronts as well.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Gentleman thief Sir Charles Lytton (David Niven) circles the prize while Inspector Jacques Clouseau (Peter Sellers) bungles the pursuit with sublime obliviousness.—
Lilah Ramzi,
Vogue,
25 Oct. 2025
-
The menu at the motel’s restaurant, ISH Kitchen, circles the globe from Mediterranean shawarma to Japanese ramen to a Vietnamese dish of marinated ground beef wrapped in kaffir lime leaves.—
Melanie Haiken,
Outside,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Douglass’s former North Star co-editor, Martin Delany, who had been admitted to Harvard Medical School but was forced out after white students complained, responded to Dred Scott — and the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 — by writing a novel whose hero escapes bondage and plots an overthrow of slavery.—
Equal Justice Initiative,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Jacob plots to seduce his employers and gain an advantage from their industry connections, but unwittingly walks into a trap.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Yet, their followings are distinct from the quasi-religious fervor thar surrounds Khan.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Last year, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame chairman John Sykes cracked open the door to dispel a bit of mystique that surrounds his nominating committee.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Gravette may not be where most expect to find an athlete competing on a global stage, but maybe that's just because Madie Edwards knows how to keep a low profile.—
NWA Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Armario knows the fast-food world from every angle—rising the industry ranks from Burger King crew member to a McDonald’s executive overseeing global supply chain, development, and franchising.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Compasses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compasses. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.
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