orbit 1 of 2

noun

Definition of orbitnext
as in loop

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orbit

2 of 2

verb

as in to circle
to travel completely around the moon orbits the Earth

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun orbit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of orbit are compass, gamut, range, scope, and sweep. While all these words mean "the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control)," orbit suggests an often circumscribed range of activity or influence within which forces work toward accommodation.

within that restricted orbit they tried to effect social change

When might compass be a better fit than orbit?

In some situations, the words compass and orbit are roughly equivalent. However, compass implies a sometimes limited extent of perception, knowledge, or activity.

your concerns lie beyond the narrow compass of this study

Where would gamut be a reasonable alternative to orbit?

The words gamut and orbit can be used in similar contexts, but gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another.

a performance that ran the gamut of emotions

When can range be used instead of orbit?

The words range and orbit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, range is a general term indicating the extent of one's perception or the extent of powers, capacities, or possibilities.

the entire range of human experience

In what contexts can scope take the place of orbit?

Although the words scope and orbit have much in common, scope is applicable to an area of activity, predetermined and limited, but somewhat flexible.

as time went on, the scope of the investigation widened

When would sweep be a good substitute for orbit?

The meanings of sweep and orbit largely overlap; however, sweep suggests extent, often circular or arc-shaped, of motion or activity.

the book covers the entire sweep of criminal activity

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 orbit
Noun
This lander, SpaceX’s Starship, is still in early development and has not reached orbit. —Rebecca Schneid, Time, 9 Feb. 2026 The interview spanned two days, and Maxwell answered questions about her relationship with Epstein and others in his orbit. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
With recent news that Starlink satellites are set to orbit closer to the Earth to avoid collisions with space debris, this HPM device could theoretically target Elon Musk's space communications network. —New Atlas, 5 Feb. 2026 However, the new measurements, courtesy of NASA's Juno spacecraft that is currently orbiting Jupiter, shaves about five miles (8 km) off the equator and about 15 miles (24 km) off at the poles. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for orbit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orbit
  1. loop
  2. circle
  3. circuit
  4. traverse
  5. trajectory
  6. path
  7. route
Noun
  • But Bass had appeared to avoid heavyweight challengers before Raman’s announcement threw the mayoral race for a loop.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The bridge will complete the popular trail’s full 10-mile loop.
    — Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of loop
Verb
  • Detectives noted a consistent gait and distinctive walking pattern across videos captured before and after the shooting, including footage showing the suspect circling the area for hours and later walking away from the Barus & Holley building shortly after the gunfire.
    — Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • By the time Victor Villa arrived at his restaurant Villa’s Tacos in Highland Park on Monday afternoon, a mob of press surrounded him, a line of customers had stretched down the block since daybreak, and cars and TV-news satellite trucks circled the parking lot, double parked in front of red curbs.
    — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of circle
Noun
  • The process of learning to suppress a response to the rewarding stimulus happens at the level of the reward system—there is a decrease in the size of the dopamine release caused by a particular reward cue once the circuit has become habituated.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The project has already enjoyed early market traction, surfacing on the international industry circuit at Annecy’s MIFA Pitch and across Cartoon’s flagship platforms, Cartoon Movie and Cartoon Forum.
    — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of circuit
Verb
  • The wolf traversed through much of the Sierra Nevada and was part of a pack in Tulare County, which is located west of Fresno and just north of Bakersfield.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The disorder resulted in far fewer Palestinians traversing the border between Egypt and Gaza than was expected, nearly two years after Israel seized and shut the crossing.
    — Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of traverse
Noun
  • Brentwood tech entrepreneur Adam Miller, who describes himself as a lifelong Democrat, said the city is on a downward trajectory and needs stronger management.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Fernandez’s individual trajectory at Chelsea since has validated Lampard’s assessment and then some, both in terms of his quality and his utility.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of trajectory
Noun
  • That gives Takaichi a clear path to deliver on her agenda over the coming years – until the next election in 2027.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • His only real path to election is as the Sandy Koufax of the 21st century.
    — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of path
Noun
  • This week, Google went the bond route.
    — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The emerging pattern includes architectures that route tasks to the simplest effective model, escalate only when necessary, and continuously balance accuracy with speed and cost.
    — Abhas Ricky, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of route

Browse Nearby Words

orb
orbit
orbited
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Orbit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orbit. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on orbit

Nglish: Translation of orbit for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about orbit

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