orbit 1 of 2

as in to circle
to travel completely around the moon orbits the Earth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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orbit

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun orbit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of orbit are compass, gamut, range, scope, and sweep. While all these words mean "the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control)," orbit suggests an often circumscribed range of activity or influence within which forces work toward accommodation.

within that restricted orbit they tried to effect social change

When might compass be a better fit than orbit?

In some situations, the words compass and orbit are roughly equivalent. However, compass implies a sometimes limited extent of perception, knowledge, or activity.

your concerns lie beyond the narrow compass of this study

Where would gamut be a reasonable alternative to orbit?

The words gamut and orbit can be used in similar contexts, but gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another.

a performance that ran the gamut of emotions

When can range be used instead of orbit?

The words range and orbit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, range is a general term indicating the extent of one's perception or the extent of powers, capacities, or possibilities.

the entire range of human experience

In what contexts can scope take the place of orbit?

Although the words scope and orbit have much in common, scope is applicable to an area of activity, predetermined and limited, but somewhat flexible.

as time went on, the scope of the investigation widened

When would sweep be a good substitute for orbit?

The meanings of sweep and orbit largely overlap; however, sweep suggests extent, often circular or arc-shaped, of motion or activity.

the book covers the entire sweep of criminal activity

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 orbit
Verb
SpaceX said on its website that the next generation Starship could be the first to reach orbit. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025 Imagine doctors receiving vital medical kits from orbit after a natural disaster, or soldiers getting urgent supplies in minutes instead of hours. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
Our Earth, solar system, sun and billions of other stars, along with who knows how many other planets, are all orbiting around our home Milky Way Galaxy. Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 12 Oct. 2025 This is the start of a season where your aura feels magnetic, your style feels on point, and people can’t help but orbit closer. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for orbit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orbit
Verb
  • In a video obtained by the Associated Press, the ship is first seen in the waters being circled by a lifeboat with emergency responders aboard.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The crowd looked skyward as a military helicopter approached from Gaza, briefly diverting from its route to Ichilov Hospital to circle the square in a symbolic salute.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The bottoms also have flat rivets at the back and watch pocket, single needle stitching construction, back darter risers, and three-point belt loops for a sleek look.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The new design also features a backstrap, clip, and metal loop rivet, giving fans multiple ways to personalize their look.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The team traversed steep and uneven ground, overcame vertical drops of up to 60 feet (20 meters) using rope techniques and transformed a small underground site into a temporary base.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Several states along the East Coast have been issued warnings by the National Weather Service (NWS), after a nor’easter traversed the eastern seaboard this weekend bringing with it the threat of strong wind and heavy rain.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Contestants travel and compete on the gay rodeo circuit throughout the year to get invitations to compete at finals.
    Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Every wire, motor, and circuit was rethought to minimize size while keeping the drone flyable.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Here, Gross looks back at his career trajectory, discusses how the industry has changed over the past few decades and his plans for the future.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Which means the valuation trajectory for Canada’s baseball team looks like, yes, a hockey stick.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • By controlling the pressure inside the robot’s body and the temperature of the actuators, the researchers were able to steer it through intricate paths.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Directed by Sylvain White and featuring early performances from Meagan Good, Ne-Yo, and Chris Brown, the film celebrates movement as both self-expression and a path toward belonging—perfect for the spirit of Homecoming season.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Desert View Drive, a 25-mile scenic route along Arizona Highway 64, is a low-key wonder that rewards those willing to wander slightly off the park’s busiest paths.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The father and son had allegedly been walking along the path of Les Feixades, which is a popular hiking route that families take daily, when the tragedy occurred, per the outlet.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Orbit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orbit. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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