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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of circumscription
Thanks to its constitutional provenance, presidential pardon power faces little legal circumscription and minimal disclosure requirements for clemency advocacy efforts.
—
Willem Marx,
Vanity Fair,
18 Feb. 2026
Their circumscription, however, does not make Assad’s current priorities less dangerous.
—
Lina Khatib,
Foreign Affairs,
17 Jan. 2020
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
Willem Marx,
Vanity Fair,
18 Feb. 2026
Their circumscription, however, does not make Assad’s current priorities less dangerous.
—
Lina Khatib,
Foreign Affairs,
17 Jan. 2020
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumscription
Noun
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Her remarks come amid mounting allegations that military restrictions slowed aid deliveries and prevented civilians—and in some cases rescue crews—from getting to critical areas during the early phase of the emergency.
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Davidson is one of several parents who are a part of a local movement to advocate for more regulation and restrictions on using technology in classrooms.
Noun
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There won't be any ticket limitations per customer, and parking will be free.
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The researchers addressed that limitation by increasing the surface area of the carbon electrode and loading it with vanadium oxide, a material that can store a large amount of energy.
Noun
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Her colleague Maria Amato adds a harder constraint — the most effective leadership development happens on the job, inside the relationships management layers exist to create.
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How supply chains are slowing defense production S&P Global Ratings found the same constraint.
Cite this Entry
“Circumscription.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumscription. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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