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

Except, when the rehearsals start in earnest and boys enter the duo’s orbit in after-school adventures, their already off-balance dual existence and sneaky one-upmanship worsens. —Tomris Laffly, Variety, 24 Jan. 2026

With Herro reliably in the Heat lineup and Powell sent out in a trade, a team that has spent the bulk of the season in play-in orbit … still would be a team in play-in orbit. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026

Verb

Psyche is a nickel-iron core asteroid that orbits the sun beyond Mars anywhere from 235 million to 309 million miles away. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026

Earth orbits the sun at an average distance of 93 million miles (150 million kilometers), a distance known as 1 astronomical unit. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 3 Jan. 2026