1
as in direction
a guiding or motivating purpose or principle
a young go-getter who lost his moral compass in the course of his quest for fame and fortune
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in scope
an area over which activity, capacity, or influence extends
within the compass of my voice
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in perimeter
the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something
within the compass of the city walls
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to accomplish
to carry through (as a process) to completion
attempting more than his modest abilities could compass
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to circle
to travel completely around
the great age of exploration, when ships of sail compassed the earth
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3
as in to plot
to engage in a secret plan to accomplish evil or unlawful ends
the rebels are compassing the assassination of the king
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4
5
as in to know
to have a clear idea of
the concept that the earth is billions of years old is one that the average mind struggles to compass
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of compass
Ella Field,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 June 2026
Having trekked the territory with his trusty surveyor’s compass, and in the absence of anyone else rash enough to do it, Washington volunteers to deliver an ultimatum to the encroaching French forces.
—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
16 June 2026
Alex Shephard,
The New Republic,
13 June 2023
It is based on the knowledge that no spoliator can compass his end without a certain degree of co-operation, willing or compulsory, of the victim.
—
Tridip Suhrud,
Time,
25 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for compass
Noun
Use a geometry compass or a round object, like a dinner plate, to draw a smooth arch connecting these two lines.
—
Ella Field,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 June 2026
Having trekked the territory with his trusty surveyor’s compass, and in the absence of anyone else rash enough to do it, Washington volunteers to deliver an ultimatum to the encroaching French forces.
—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
16 June 2026
Verb
At its best, McCarthy’s fiction could compass the strange and often violent order of existence.
—
Alex Shephard,
The New Republic,
13 June 2023
It is based on the knowledge that no spoliator can compass his end without a certain degree of co-operation, willing or compulsory, of the victim.
—
Tridip Suhrud,
Time,
25 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for compass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compass
Noun
-
Follow the specific directions from your doctor and the exact type of medicine, first and foremost.
-
The 2026 Honor Marching Band and Color Guard, under the direction of Boise State professor Phil Hartman, filled the air with festive tunes in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
Noun
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The movement lacks central leadership and messaging, but its scope has expanded beyond the environmental complaints that sparked it.
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The agency has not indicated when that review will conclude, and the final scope of any patent could change during the examination process.
Noun
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Following multiple 911 calls, officers arrived at the scene and set up a perimeter.
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The sheriff's office said deputies established a perimeter in the area and were actively searching for the suspect or suspects.
Verb
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That Teng could even accomplish it and have some success speaks to his value and adaptability.
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This allows the chef to charge for more hours of cooking and allows the client to get several days worth of meal planning accomplished in one visit.
Verb
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The evening of the shoot, there was frequent hum of tourist helicopters circling the island, and a few party boats blasting music, which threatened to put a damper on the plans.
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Minutes later the pike was just under the surface, circling close to the boat.
Verb
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That will really set the tone for that day, which is just being plotted out now, to really engage in a conversation that will be open to industry pass holders, press, and public to talk about the future of independent film.
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Sources tell OutKick that Pitaro backed Mark Jones in 2020 when Jones falsely accused police officers of plotting to shoot him.
Verb
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Plantation police said the circumstances surrounding the child's death remain under investigation.
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Officials did not initially identify Ortiz Canseco on Thursday or disclose the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, saying his family needed to be notified first.
Verb
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Cape Verde 40-year-old goalkeeper Josimar Jose Evora Dias, also known as Vozinha, became a fan favorite along the way.
-
Sometimes there is a fine line between being a hero or a bum, but Dave has been able to negotiate that line, because players trust him, and the players know that Dave cares about them and their families.
Cite this Entry
“Compass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compass. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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