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
This technique can accurately determine an object’s orbit, down to only a few kilometers of uncertainty. Toshi Hirabayashi, The Conversation, 25 June 2025 Sitting in a medium Earth orbit, the spacecraft operated until 1965, but by 1967, its systems had completely failed. Robert Lea, Space.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
The Southern Hemisphere also offers a clearer view of the Milky Way's center, which is dense with star fields and nebulae, as well as of the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, two dwarf galaxies that orbit the Milky Way. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 For some footwear, apparel and textile manufacturers based in the United States, tariff turmoil has been a boon to business, and for others, it’s resulted in orbiting by brands and retailers that are voicing interest but aren’t quite ready to pull the trigger on onshoring. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for orbit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orbit
Verb
  • Dude’s a lifelong utility player — rock solid on guitar and vocals with the family band, while Willie circles the beat, and a team player with frequent Neil Young backing crew Promise of the Real.
    Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025
  • Members of the president's national security team circled in and out of the Oval Office throughout much of the day to provide updates, the official said.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • This creates a self-reinforcing loop: as activity on the chain increases, so does the pool of capital available to users, which in turn improves trading execution, reduces slippage, and boosts overall yield.
    Azeem Khan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Others paid tribute to classic Americana, with patriotic flags waving through Levi’s or Wrangler denim belt loops.
    Amber Elliott, Vogue, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • By definition, anybody attempting to move through Venice will meet some, or several, bodies of water to be traversed.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County offers for loan two lightweight, all-terrain wheelchairs, each designed to traverse dirt, gravel, grass, snow and mud, spokeswoman Beth Schirott said.
    Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • That circuit went to three different rooms, so leaving that outlet dead was the easiest solution for now.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
  • This keeps the shoe flexible but supportive enough to offer stability during HIIT workouts and circuit training.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • While McDaniel and Passan give Mullins a 70% chance to be traded at this deadline, the trajectory of the Orioles likely will lead to his name being floated more often as July approaches.
    Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
  • Cruel injuries have mostly dictated the trajectory of his career in the past few years, however, with an unflattering spell on loan at Brighton in the Premier League unable to launch his career.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • As with any major legislation, the path forward is shaped as much by politics as by policy.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Ashby, though, is confident that the single agency is the best path forward.
    Jack Rodriquez-Vars, Sacbee.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • In 1945 the family came back to Wisconsin to live on a 10-acre farm, where Ted raised dairy cows and pigs and drove the milk route.
    Neil Milbert, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
  • Sacramento Regional Transit has encouraged riders to use bus route 11 instead.
    Tina Li, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Orbit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orbit. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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