ambit

noun

am·​bit ˈam-bət 

1

: circuit, compass

2

: the bounds or limits of a place or district

3

: a sphere of action, expression, or influence : scope

Synonyms

• amplitude
• breadth
• compass
• confines
• dimension(s)
• extent
• range
• reach
• realm
• scope
• sweep
• width

Examples of ambit in a Sentence

many feel that church leaders stray outside of their proper ambit when they make specific political endorsements

Recent Examples on the Web

The task force has a wide ambit, with the legislature empowering it to study every aspect of JCPS, from funding to transportation to athletic programs. —Rebecca Grapevine, The Courier-Journal, 14 June 2024

The Indian intelligence agencies, that are free from legislative oversight, fall within the ambit of Doval in his role as national security adviser. —Hartosh Singh Bal, Foreign Affairs, 8 Dec. 2023

Smith, moreover, has based the charges on the constitutionally fraught issue of a president’s state of mind while carrying out actions that — even if malevolent — were within the ambit of executive authority. —Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 6 Jan. 2024

There, a 5–4 majority ruled that former presidents have immunity from civil lawsuits for actions within the ambit of official executive duties. —Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 9 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin ambitus "circuit, circumference, strip of ground around the outside of a building," from ambīre "to visit in rotation, surround, encircle" + -tus, suffix of action nouns — more at ambient entry 1

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1