Thesaurus results for ORBIT

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

orbit 1 of 2

noun

Definition of orbit next

as in loop

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Limp cited the scramble to complete the development of New Glenn and get the rocket into orbit as rationale for the cuts. —

Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 13 Feb. 2025 These are young people who have been working for DOGE for a limited period of time, who have been in Elon Musk's orbit by virtue of their age for a limited period of time. —

Katie Drummond, WIRED, 13 Feb. 2025

Verb

Astronauts lived and worked in the orbiting laboratory in 1973 and 1974. —

Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 6 Feb. 2025 SpaceX didn’t respond to a request for comment, but the company might be retiring large batches of older Starlink satellites, which are designed to orbit the Earth for around five years. —

Michael Kan, PCMAG, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for orbit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for orbit

Noun

If skiing isn’t your thing, the resort is still a haven for winter activity: ice skate across Brewer’s Pond, located in the heart of the village, go tubing at Tube Town, or fat bike or snowshoe on a variety of trails and loops that skirt the edge of the ski hill.

— Jennifer Malloy, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2025
Conveniently located inside the I-435 loop, this close-in development offers easy access to major highways.

— ReeceNichols Real Estate, Kansas City Star, 16 Feb. 2025