Synonyms of orbit

orbit 1 of 2

noun

as in loop

Synonyms & Similar Words

• loop
• circle
• circuit
• trajectory
• path
• route
• course
• pathway
• track
• steps
• arc
• way
• routeway
• line
• flight path
• ascent
• descent

orbit

2 of 2

verb

as in to circle

to travel completely around

the moon orbits the Earth

Synonyms & Similar Words

• circle
• traverse
• circuit
• encircle
• ring
• round
• cross
• compass
• circumnavigate
• circumvent
• girdle
• circumambulate
• perambulate

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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of orbit

Noun

Bezos has also previously spoken about his dream of building enormous space stations (known as O'Neill cylinders) in relative proximity to Earth's orbit, to allow people to travel back and forth. —Dave Lawler, Axios, 8 Dec. 2024

Innovation and deregulation Image The tech leaders in Mr. Trump’s orbit are pushing for deregulation of their industries and more innovative use of private sector technologies in the federal government, especially the defense industry. —Theodore Schleifer, New York Times, 7 Dec. 2024

Verb

Most asteroids orbit within the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 4 Dec. 2024

For perspective purposes, the moon orbits our planet at a distance of 238,900 miles, while our closest planet companion, Venus, is about 24 million miles away at its closest point. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024