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

Examples of orbit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But others would have ended up with orbits like those of the long-period comets. —

James Wray, Discover Magazine, 18 Oct. 2024 During the course of this orbit, the moon is located at various distances from the planet. —

Mia Taylor, Parents, 16 Oct. 2024

Verb

This watch represents the final word on precision, constantly setting its time from the timing signals sent by the worldwide chain of low orbiting GPS satellites. —

David Flett, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2024 Based on precise analysis of Europa's movements orbiting Jupiter, scientists believe an ocean is present under the moon's icy crust that may provide a habitable environment. —

William Harwood, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for orbit

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