orbit 1 of 2

noun

Definition of orbitnext
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

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
While first stage successfully separated, the second stage engine did not get it into orbit. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2025 Posting on your website and alerting your contacts (i.e., clients or customers) makes sense too, so everyone in your professional orbit is aware of your trade show attendance. —Nancy Marshall, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Verb
Hypothetical effects included satellites, astronauts and airplanes exposed to intense radiation; disrupted or blocked radio communication and GPS systems; degraded communication with orbiting satellites and widespread power outages. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2025 Moon rocks brought to Earth during NASA's Apollo missions in the 1960s and '70s, as well as data from orbiting spacecraft, have shown that parts of the lunar surface — particularly on the farside — contain rocks with surprisingly strong magnetic signatures. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for orbit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orbit
  1. loop
  2. circle
  3. circuit
  4. traverse
  5. trajectory
  6. path
  7. route
Noun
  • Celebrating these small wins not only provides immediate satisfaction but also creates a positive feedback loop that encourages staff to keep striving for excellence.
    — Sacha Obaid, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • His eyes are glued to his work computer, where Blue Smiley plays on a loop every day, Monday through Saturday.
    — Tyler Hicks, Rolling Stone, 5 June 2025
Definition of loop
Verb
  • Right Now And don’t skip a walk around the city walls—a 1.2-mile stretch circling the Old Town.
    — Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Union demonstrators demanding passage of the bill greeted lawmakers outside the Capitol in the morning, circling a corner of the parking lot used by the governor and top legislative leaders.
    — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2025
Definition of circle
Noun
  • No doubt after Sorry, Baby screens beyond the film festival circuit, audiences will place Victor in the star category as well.
    — Rachel Brodsky, Rolling Stone, 6 June 2025
  • The executive was a fixture on the festival circuit and a major player in the acquisitions space for years.
    — Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025
Definition of circuit
Verb
  • In the sneak peek clip, an array of ocean animals traverse great distances in search of food, including travelling to seamounts — underwater mountains up to three miles high.
    — Kelli Bender, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • But, given the unlimited wonders accessible to the owner of a TARDIS that can traverse all of space and time, the Doctor's ongoing obsession with Earth and its people (particularly the UK) seems slightly incongruous.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 3 June 2025
Definition of traverse
Noun
  • Expect transformative conversations around the trajectory of your career and your personal identity.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 June 2025
  • Even modest improvements in conversion rates can dramatically impact your startup’s growth trajectory.
    — Daria Gonzalez, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Definition of trajectory
Noun
  • Plans call for a perimeter walking-and-biking trail that loops into a network of pedestrian paths.
    — Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 4 June 2025
  • The settlement also cleared a path for the operator to permanently shutter all services aside from the emergency and behavioral health at Rockville General Hospital in Vernon, The CT Mirror reported.
    — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2025
Definition of path
Noun
  • Every day at the start of practice, the wide receivers line up and run half-speed routes to get loose, while the quarterbacks throw high-arcing passes downfield.
    — Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
  • Process mining is the statistically most popular routes (where there is tracking).
    — Ian Gotts, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of route

Browse Nearby Words

orb
orbit
orbited
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Orbit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orbit. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on orbit

Nglish: Translation of orbit for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about orbit

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