1
as in fulfilling
to carry through (as a process) to completion
attempting more than his modest abilities could compass
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Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in circling
to travel completely around
the great age of exploration, when ships of sail compassed the earth
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3
as in plotting
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
as in surrounding
to form a circle around
a mysterious isle, compassed by treacherous seas
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5
as in understanding
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compassing
Verb
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The daughter of Back to the Future star Lea Thompson and Pretty in Pink director Howard Deutch, the actress is fulfilling a lifelong dream.
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This pioneering model, established by Frist before his Senate career, has now achieved its aspirational goal of national leadership, fulfilling Shumway's grand vision.
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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Sources tell OutKick that Pitaro backed Mark Jones in 2020 when Jones falsely accused police officers of plotting to shoot him.
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Lively accused Baldoni in December 2024 of harassing her on the set of It Ends With Us and subsequently plotting a smear campaign against her.
Verb
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The council would then examine the details surrounding the change before passing an ordinance expanding those voting rights.
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The design is open and clean, with a deliberate choice to draw the surrounding scenery deep into the interior of the home.
Verb
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Those worries make sense, and understanding how bird flu spreads and what to watch for is the best way to protect your flock and yourself.
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Why The Old Approach No Longer Works The old playbook assumed that cultural knowledge was scarce, international interactions were occasional, and understanding national norms was the primary challenge.
Verb
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Make Donors The Story’s Heroes Years ago, a development professional taught me to center donor communications around what the donor is accomplishing.
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The primary question is whether this crowded field of new entrants is actually accomplishing anything, or whether its members are simply tripping over one another with deleterious impact.
Verb
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From the Higgs to the Next Frontier The road to the FCC remains long, and Europe has been traversing it for years.
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Spending a year in California versus a month traversing small town America is a big difference.
Verb
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Cheers roared from the crowd encircling the concrete arena as two skateboarders slammed into each other at top speed.
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Styled by Brad Goreski, Moore wore a custom cobalt blue Self Portrait gown with an oversized bow encircling the hips, falling into a train.
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Cite this Entry
“Compassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compassing. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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