Synonyms

encompass

American

[en-kuhm-puhs] / ɛnˈkʌm pəs /

verb (used with object)

to form a circle about; encircle; surround.

He built a moat to encompass the castle.
to enclose; envelop.

The folds of a great cloak encompassed her person.
to include comprehensively.

a work that encompasses the entire range of the world's religious beliefs.
Obsolete. to outwit.

encompass British

/ ɪnˈkʌmpəs /

verb

to enclose within a circle; surround
to bring about; cause to happen; contrive

he encompassed the enemy's ruin
to include entirely or comprehensively

this book encompasses the whole range of knowledge

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Etymology

Origin of encompass

First recorded in 1545–55; en- ¹ + compass

Explanation

Encompass means to contain. When you see the word, picture a campus which encompasses lecture halls, a football field, a medical center, a dining hall and some parking lots. Encompass can be used when talking about anything that contains something else. A lecture on Edward Hopper might encompass all aspects of his life and art, a work of art could encompass many techniques, and a policeman's jurisdiction may encompass an entire state. The continental U.S. encompasses 48 states. This entry encompasses many examples of the word encompass in use!

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing encompass

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Unit 1: Telling Details

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Overall, 67 percent of Americans play video games for at least an hour a week -- a figure broad enough to encompass everything from blockbuster console titles to casual mobile games like Wordle.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

"Roman will extend the search far enough to encompass other galactic habitats, which could help us learn how planet formation varies across different regions of the Milky Way."

From Science Daily • Jun. 1, 2026

Bateman’s previous Emmy nominations encompass acting, directing and producing.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

The "Golden Dome", which aims to encompass the US, is designed to counter aerial threats to the US, including ballistic and cruise missiles.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

But once you see them as a whole, once your eyes leave the individual and encompass the mass, a new quality comes into the picture.

From "Native Son" by Richard Wright

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023