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

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as in to define

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

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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

Examples of circumscribe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Her four previous narrative films all examine how war defines and circumscribes the choices people make to survive. —

Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2024 The choices voters have are circumscribed by Iran's unelected clerical leaders and institutions. —

Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, 5 July 2024 Elderly leaders were acceptable in these roles so long as their power was circumscribed. —

Rebecca Brannon / Made By History, TIME, 3 July 2024 These enlightened and classically republican ideals, values and standards came to circumscribe and control their behavior. —

Gordon S. Wood, Washington Post, 2 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for circumscribe

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'circumscribe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.