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

Examples 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 That cramped quality may effectively circumscribe Blitz’s prospects as an awards contender and diminish its event-movie potential in international markets. —

Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 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 See all Example Sentences for circumscribe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumscribe

Verb

What is more, events since the publication of Spencer’s article cast further doubt on the idea that Israel’s goals are limited to defeating Hamas and retrieving the hostages.

John Spencer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
Another rumor was that FEMA was limiting financial assistance for disaster survivors to $750 and that recipients would eventually have to repay those funds or risk losing their homes.

Jess Craig, Vox, 17 Nov. 2024