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

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
As our Earth orbits the sun, summer stars will gradually set earlier and earlier in the evening. —Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 3 Nov. 2024 The first animal to orbit Earth was a good girl who met a bad end aboard the Soviet Union’s Sputnik 2. —The Arizona Republic, 2 Nov. 2024
Verb
The first blob was the black hole and an inner star orbiting close by. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2024 While classic telecommunication satellites orbit as high as 35,000 kilometres from earth, constellation satellites are at just 600 kilometres altitude, greatly reducing latency and allowing for video streaming. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune Europe, 18 Oct. 2024 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
  • Domingo is perhaps best known for his eloquence, but here, he’s caught in a loop, grasping for the right thing to say.
    Selome Hailu, Variety, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The music video stars the pygmy hippopotamus, who lives at a zoo in Thailand, bouncing around in her trademark style in a loop.
    Mithil Aggarwal, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Definition of loop
Verb
  • The project had started as a buzzy property, with Steven Soderbergh in the mix to direct and Jake Gyllenhaal circling to star as Dave.
    Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Helicopter tours of the city allow daring architecture lovers to circle Lower Manhattan for a bird’s eye view.
    Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024
Definition of circle
Noun
  • The volleyball circuit also has an official retail partnership with Revolve and a sponsorship with Spanx.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 21 Nov. 2024
  • On the festival circuit and in awards ceremonies, there is sometimes a stigma against sports films.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024
Definition of circuit
Verb
  • New high-capacity roadways traversed forests and farmland, often terminating at what was then the urban edge.
    David Zipper, Vox, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Storm surge, wind and rain should subside on the island Wednesday night as Rafael traverses the Gulf of Mexico.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Definition of traverse
Noun
  • As investors brace for an eventful week, attention remains focused on how the U.S. election, Fed decisions, and potential Chinese stimulus measures could shape the trajectory of global markets.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Starting with Puss In Book: Trapped In An Epic Tale, viewers could make a series of decisions that would alter the trajectory of the narrative.
    Chris Morris, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
Definition of trajectory
Noun
  • Refuse to let outside influences steer you down the wrong path.
    Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • Surprisingly, two of the three rats chose to take the less efficient path of turning away from the reward and running to the car to drive to their Froot Loop destination.
    Kelly Lambert, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
Definition of path
Noun
  • New perk: Easily find new routes and hidden gems, upcoming running events, and more near you.
    Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 18 Nov. 2024
  • Hunter gave up a touchdown in coverage on a go route down the sideline, his first such offense of the season.
    Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
Definition of route

Thesaurus Entries Near orbit

orb

orbit

orbited

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Orbit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orbit. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on orbit

Nglish: Translation of orbit for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of orbit for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about orbit

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