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.

A happier child, with more childish ways, might not so fully have compassed Jane's awakening; for this had been in proportion to the needs of the one who so forlornly made plea for entrance.

From A Prairie Infanta by Brodhead, Eva Wilder

The Sunday’s accent was less local; there was a hint of a short “e” sound in the “a,” and a briskness about the consonants, that Edwin could never have compassed.

From Clayhanger by Bennett, Arnold

If Eleanor’s story had not collapsed 234 Miss Woodhull her English certainly would have compassed that result.

From A Dixie School Girl by Jackson, Gabrielle E. (Gabrielle Emilie)

Without that quality of sincerity, and with a conscience less exigent and less resolute than his, Carl Schurz's political career might have compassed any end that ambition set before him.

From Recollections of a Varied Life by Eggleston, George Cary

This I could not have compassed if I had made it a mere physician’s business; they’d have thought it some conjuration.

From Rewards and Fairies by Kipling, Rudyard