1
as in surrounded
to form a circle around
a necklace of sapphire-blue lakes encompasses the town
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in included
to have as part of a whole
textbooks on American history are now likely to encompass its social history as well as its political and military history
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in wrapped
to surround or cover closely
a fog of mystery has long encompassed this fraternal organization, which is known for its secret rituals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 encompassed
The Council’s definition of at risk of eviction encompassed anyone who had gotten a demand letter from their landlord, a first step in an often months- or years-long process towards eviction.
—
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
The 2023-2024 El Niño, which encompassed the summer of 2023, was one of the top five strongest warming episodes on record, according to The Weather Channel.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026
That authorization was broad and encompassed Gastineau’s name and likeness as reflected in extrinsic footage, such as that of the encounter with Favre.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026
And Orlando residents can recommit themselves to the spirit of unity that encompassed their grief and pushed them to strive for something better.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
Jackie's apartment encompassed what was originally two apartments.
—Elle Meier, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026
Yasmin’s communication strategy is sort of encompassed in her relationship with Henry.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 2 Mar. 2026
Immediately, Lilian criticized herself for being too bleak, protesting on behalf of those who were inadvertently encompassed by her thoughts.
—Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
The North Star State’s Minnesota Nice reputation has long encompassed progressive politics; a polite, if guarded, interpersonal demeanor; and a hearty neighborliness formed out of necessity during frigid winters.
—Daniel Cueto-Villalobos, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2026
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
The 2023-2024 El Niño, which encompassed the summer of 2023, was one of the top five strongest warming episodes on record, according to The Weather Channel.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026
That authorization was broad and encompassed Gastineau’s name and likeness as reflected in extrinsic footage, such as that of the encounter with Favre.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026
And Orlando residents can recommit themselves to the spirit of unity that encompassed their grief and pushed them to strive for something better.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
Jackie's apartment encompassed what was originally two apartments.
—Elle Meier, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026
Yasmin’s communication strategy is sort of encompassed in her relationship with Henry.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 2 Mar. 2026
Immediately, Lilian criticized herself for being too bleak, protesting on behalf of those who were inadvertently encompassed by her thoughts.
—Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
The North Star State’s Minnesota Nice reputation has long encompassed progressive politics; a polite, if guarded, interpersonal demeanor; and a hearty neighborliness formed out of necessity during frigid winters.
—Daniel Cueto-Villalobos, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encompassed
Verb
-
Carroll had a nice try in the 62nd minute when a corner kick found Auns, surrounded in front of the goal.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Nevertheless, you are surrounded by high energy that is keen to socialize.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Breakfast is included, a generous European-style buffet with eggs, cured meats, fresh fruit, house granola, muffins, and flaky pastries.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The email chain included a copy of that draft letter, which was written by Kozakiewicz but never sent.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Booga took his post, standing at the bow while Gerry wrapped Mac in a heavy blanket and a wool watch cap.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Rogers, Shelton, Justin Topa and executive chair Tom Pohlad spoke to the group before Buxton wrapped it up by saying a few words.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Some people lamented on social media the empty spaces around a pond that used to be seamlessly encircled by flowering pink blossoms.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The sapphire, encircled by 14 solitaire diamonds, was designed by the famed House of Garrard.—
Jessica Gibbs,
InStyle,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Right now, at this very moment, the total amount of entropy contained within the observable Universe is greater than it’s ever been before.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The fire was contained over the course of 40 minutes with 68 firefighters at the scene, Lyndsey Lantz, a spokesperson for the department, said in a statement.—
Jasmine Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The massive road project, decades in planning, has been enveloped in controversy even before getting underway.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
-
For Artemis, the astronauts will remain on board their capsule until the ship has enveloped the Orion in its well deck.—
Robert Z. Pearlman,
Space.com,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Heritage and Danube signed an agreement that involved no financial transactions by either party.—
Emmet Lyons,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The governments involved would need to be able to persuade their people that such a deal is acceptable.—
Donald Heflin,
The Conversation,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
China's use of executions — carried out by firing squads or lethal injections — is shrouded in secrecy but has long been extensive.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
On shrill winter nights, Moscow’s power is conspicuous, its Orthodox cathedrals and Stalinist high-rises illuminated, though the view falls dim in the autumn and spring, shrouded in sheets of greige.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encompassed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encompassed. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
