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
But this election has shown there are strong currents in Moldova against a retreat into Russia’s orbit. Tim Lister, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025 The reason the latest data transfer traveled a shorter distance is due to the fact that Psyche is flying on a solar orbit that sometimes brings it closer to Earth, depending on the alignment. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
Certification is a necessary precursor for allowing a vehicle to approach the orbiting laboratory. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025 This was followed by KA-2 and KA-3 on June 23 and July 16, which sent 24 and 27 satellites to orbit (respectively). Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for orbit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orbit
Verb
  • Directors are already circling the chronicle of the adventures of Ken Kesey after the release of his first novel, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, which became a Best Picture winning classic film released 50 years ago.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
  • News broke from Deadline at the Zurich Summit on September 27 that Hollywood talent agents have been quietly circling Norwood for representation.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This neurocosmetic innovation, inspired by Nobel Prize-winning research on touch receptors, works by activating sensory pathways in the skin to trigger the release of mood-regulating biomarkers, establishing a continuous feedback loop between skin repair and emotional balance.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Riders can start at the Laguna Campground and loop around the Big Laguna Lake and head back to the campground for about a 32-mile trek.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Even light, which zipped at breathtaking pace across the dark, took many human lifetimes to traverse a single galaxy.
    Angus Fletcher, Big Think, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Trails have suffered erosion, so take care while traversing them.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This concentration of energy creates a tiny, controlled burn that interrupts the faulty circuit causing the tremor.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Swift will return to the late-night promo circuit after three years to promote the record and will appear on The Graham Norton Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and Late Night With Seth Meyers following its release.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Your grip strength, measured in pounds or kilograms, provides insight into your bodily strength and, therefore, your aging trajectory.
    Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Lately, some employees are noticing an ominous trend in their career trajectories.
    Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Chasing the dream — and the visa The H-1B visa fundamentally shaped her career path, Qian said.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Federal agencies are now kickstarting their shutdown contingency plans, including the scaling back of services and the furloughing of thousands of staff until Democrats and Republicans find a path forward.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The new truck routes and restrictions are the result of study, coordination and collaboration between city officials, local residents, area small business owners and trucking companies, city officials said.
    Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • This left kids, seniors and people from nonwhite, working-class communities with few alternative routes.
    Menika Dirkson, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Orbit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orbit. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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