1
as in fulfilling
to carry through (as a process) to completion
attempting more than his modest abilities could compass
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2
as in circling
to travel completely around
the great age of exploration, when ships of sail compassed the earth
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3
as in plotting
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 surrounding
to form a circle around
a mysterious isle, compassed by treacherous seas
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5
as in understanding
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
“Compassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compassing. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.
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