1
as in restriction
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice such circumscriptions on the freedom of speech are antithetical to a free and open society

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in limitation
the act or practice of keeping something (as an activity) within certain boundaries electronic monitoring bracelets are sometimes used to impose a circumscription of movement on people awaiting trial

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 circumscription Their circumscription, however, does not make Assad’s current priorities less dangerous. Lina Khatib, Foreign Affairs, 17 Jan. 2020 Conditions explicitly accounted by our model include warfare, circumscription, variation in productivity between different local communities, ability to generate surpluses, ability to delegate power, and restrictions on the growth of polities due to scalar stress. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2011 That said, the impact of Mr. Cervas’s circumscription has already been profound, creating the likelihood of highly competitive general-election campaigns from Long Island to upstate New York. New York Times, 28 May 2022 Longtime readers of the site, though, have noted that the site no longer functions this way, in part because the Internet isn’t currently a space conducive to blinders and circumscription. Ross Scarano, Billboard, 6 May 2019 REM candidates made the second round in 453 circumscriptions and its MoDem allies qualified in another 62. Gregory Viscusi, Bloomberg.com, 18 June 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumscription
Noun
  • Los Angeles fires and recovery Malibu businesses are struggling in the aftermath of fire and continuing restrictions along Pacific Coast Highway.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2025
  • In fact, several places have issued stern warnings to partiers and restrictions this year.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Lots has been said about Moore’s performance, about how the movie’s message dovetails so perfectly with Hollywood’s real deleterious limitations on aging actresses and the suffering that causes, Moore being a prime victim.
    Valerie Monroe, Allure, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Many borrowers are trying to enroll in the IBR plan, the only option not directly impacted by the court order, to continue progressing toward student loan forgiveness on IDR repayment terms or PSLF, given the ongoing SAVE plan forbearance and the new limitations placed on the ICR and PAYE plans.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the US State Department told WIRED that the program is abruptly ending due to budget constraints.
    Zeyi Yang, WIRED, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Food insecurity creates a combination of issues, from financial constraints, lack of access to affordable nutritious food, social and emotional stress, and affects the academic performance of college students, according to Talamantes.
    Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Circumscription.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumscription. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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!