Synonyms of orbit

orbit 1 of 2

noun

as in loop

Related Words

• loop
• circle
• circuit
• trajectory
• path
• route
• course
• pathway
• track
• steps
• arc
• way
• routeway
• line
• flight path
• ascent
• descent

orbit

2 of 2

verb

as in to circle

to travel completely around

the moon orbits the Earth

Synonyms & Similar Words

• circle
• traverse
• circuit
• encircle
• ring
• round
• cross
• compass
• circumnavigate
• circumvent
• girdle
• circumambulate
• perambulate

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

Recent Examples of orbit

Noun

While the three men still keep in touch, Banks is no longer in their orbit. —Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026

The are headed to medium-Earth orbit at about 5,000 miles altitude. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2026

Verb

This is increasingly important, given the rising number of satellites orbiting our planet. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026

Because the new policy is already in effect, astronauts selected for a NASA mission with SpaceX known as Crew-12 will become the first who can take their iPhones and other modern technology to orbit. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026