CIRCUMSCRIBE Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'circumscribe' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of circumscribe are confine , limit , and restrict . While all these words mean "to set bounds for," circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries. // the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

Q: When can 'confine' be used instead of 'circumscribe'?

Although the words confine and circumscribe have much in common, confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering. // our choices were confined by finances

Q: When is 'limit' a more appropriate choice than 'circumscribe'?

While in some cases nearly identical to circumscribe , limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go. // visits are limited to 30 minutes

Q: When might 'restrict' be a better fit than 'circumscribe'?

The words restrict and circumscribe can be used in similar contexts, but restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary. // laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

circumscribe

verb

ˈsər-kəm-ˌskrīb

Definition of circumscribe next

as in to limit

to set bounds or an upper limit for circumscribed his enthusiasm so as not to make the losing side feel worse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to define

to mark the limits of Lake Michigan circumscribes the city of Chicago on the east

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word circumscribe different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of circumscribe are confine, limit, and restrict. While all these words mean "to set bounds for," circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.

the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

When can confine be used instead of circumscribe?

Although the words confine and circumscribe have much in common, confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.

our choices were confined by finances

When is limit a more appropriate choice than circumscribe?

While in some cases nearly identical to circumscribe, limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go.

visits are limited to 30 minutes

When might restrict be a better fit than circumscribe?

The words restrict and circumscribe can be used in similar contexts, but restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary.

laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

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 circumscribe In so many ways, these women’s worlds are circumscribed by the men in their lives—even when the men are no longer there. —

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024 But even then, the building’s age circumscribed what NBT could do with it—and, by extension, its possibilities as a company. —

Marley Marius, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2024 For some offices, such as those at the Department of Homeland Security, the president’s latitude to designate acting officials under the Vacancies Act has been circumscribed by additional statutes and regulations. —

Theo Milonopoulos, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2023 At the same time, my role had become more clearly defined and circumscribed. —

Matthew Klam, The New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for circumscribe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumscribe

Verb

In addition, prosecutors allude, financial fraud is not a criminal act limited to younger people.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Jan. 2025
Additionally, North Dakota filed a case to roll back the agency’s rule intended to limit the amount of methane that oil companies could release, a practice that wastes a valuable resource and contributes to climate change.

— Mary Steurer, ProPublica, 24 Jan. 2025