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

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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 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

The same thing happened to me and others in Trump's orbit. —

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025 Once in Mars orbit, the sample container would be collected by the European Space Agency and returned to Earth for detailed laboratory analysis. —

William Harwood, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2025

Verb

The technology relays high-speed internet to users using orbiting satellites instead of ground cables. —

Michael Kan, PCMAG, 9 Jan. 2025 The company routinely carries satellites to orbit aboard its small Electron rocket, and could conduct a first flight of the new vehicle from a launch site in Virginia. —

Michael Roston, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for orbit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for orbit

Noun

Expect comforting dishes like large pasta loops with heritage pork shoulder ragu and wines ranging from acidic Etna Bianco to complex Nebbiolo.

— Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 13 Jan. 2025
For the most part, the primary loop is to find enemy officials, dodge or parry their attacks, and slowly chip away at their stance meter (essentially a gauge of their defensive stamina) to leave them vulnerable to a strong attack.

— Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 13 Jan. 2025