1
2
as in to define
to mark the limits of Lake Michigan circumscribes the city of Chicago on the east

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word circumscribe different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of circumscribe are confine, limit, and restrict. While all these words mean "to set bounds for," circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.

the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

When can confine be used instead of circumscribe?

Although the words confine and circumscribe have much in common, confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.

our choices were confined by finances

When is limit a more appropriate choice than circumscribe?

While in some cases nearly identical to circumscribe, limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go.

visits are limited to 30 minutes

When might restrict be a better fit than circumscribe?

The words restrict and circumscribe can be used in similar contexts, but restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary.

laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

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 circumscribe Theo is born at an inopportune time for Jews, whose rights are increasingly circumscribed in the country. Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2025 Like Stonehenge, Avebury’s three circles are circumscribed by a circular henge and were constructed gradually, over the course of many centuries. Hannah Edgar, ARTnews.com, 26 Feb. 2025 Historically, at the strictest cram schools, social interactions were carefully circumscribed. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025 The Kremlin would like to circumscribe Iran’s aspiration for regional hegemony without souring relations with the country, which remains its biggest regional ally. Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 6 Oct. 2017 See All Example Sentences for circumscribe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumscribe
Verb
  • Aurélien Colson, from the same institute, told Newsweek that Putin's response will be primarily military, but his options are limited to missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • Doubts over London’s stock market haven’t been limited to tech, though.
    Ryan Browne, CNBC, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • His music is also a way for parents to connect with the club vibe that, for many, defined their pre-child years.
    Katie Bain, Billboard, 13 June 2025
  • The program defined orphans as children who had lost one or both parents to AIDS, and the children did not necessarily have HIV themselves.
    Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Immigration from Europe and Asia increased rapidly, only to be legally restricted according to race.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
  • This brings reassurance that any phone loss or theft can be contained, with no concerns that data and other apps might be accessed, even if for a short time and even if sensitive functions are restricted.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • Having expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to serve those confined to their homes and working remotely, the industry has been shedding jobs month by month.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 5 June 2025
  • Also, should rebuilding Black communities be confined to those who have been involved with the criminal justice system?
    Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Circumscribe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumscribe. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on circumscribe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!