1
as in directions
a guiding or motivating purpose or principle
a young go-getter who lost his moral compass in the course of his quest for fame and fortune
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in scopes
an area over which activity, capacity, or influence extends
within the compass of my voice
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3
as in edges
the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something
within the compass of the city walls
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in implements
to carry through (as a process) to completion
attempting more than his modest abilities could compass
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in circles
to travel completely around
the great age of exploration, when ships of sail compassed the earth
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3
as in plots
to engage in a secret plan to accomplish evil or unlawful ends
the rebels are compassing the assassination of the king
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4
as in surrounds
to form a circle around
a mysterious isle, compassed by treacherous seas
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5
as in knows
to have a clear idea of
the concept that the earth is billions of years old is one that the average mind struggles to compass
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of compasses
Scott Brame, The Conversation, 16 Dec. 2025
Starting in 1910, the company served as the secretive supplier to the commandos of the Italian Navy, starting out crafting precision instruments such as gun sights and luminescent compasses before creating its first watches in 1935.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
Orienteering is an outdoor sport that requires athletes to navigate between checkpoints using maps and compasses.
—Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
Over 1,000 years ago, explorers began using compasses, typically made with a floating cork or piece of wood with a magnetized needle in it, to find their way.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for compasses
Noun
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Just like a star, Dallas is sprawling out in different directions.—
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The rural highway was closed in both directions while the crash was investigated and the wreckage cleared.—
Noun
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Homegrown Indian brands, such as Bombay Perfumery and Forest Essentials, are in the scopes of beauty experts.—
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Radar scopes in the tower showed the targets tightening around his position.—
Noun
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Cake mix, lemon pie filling, and butter come together in the oven to create crisp edges and a gooey, citrusy center, while a little cream cheese in the mix rounds out the lemon’s brightness.—
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Other signs of unseasoned wood are bark that is tightly attached and a wet, fresh-looking center with lighter and drier looking wood near the edges or ends.—
Verb
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Each diffuser implements innovative dry air technology that freshens approximately 800 square feet, and each cartridge lasts approximately 300 hours.—
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Workers in New York will enjoy the second-highest wage floor, as the state implements a minimum hourly wage of $17 for workers in New York City, Long Island and Westchester.—
Verb
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For all the talk that circles the retail industry about AI’s promise, the fact is that Americans still fear job loss and replacement because of AI.—
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The sprawling west-bank complex, with seating areas tucked around the winding gardens and a slim white cat that circles the breakfast tables with palpable hopefulness, was originally created by the indomitable Zeina Aboukheir, an Italian Lebanese designer.—
Verb
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Thus begins a thorny relationship in which Jules plots vengeance, though their dynamic soon takes a fascinating turn.—
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Bad Santa follows an alcoholic scammer named Willie (Thornton) who poses as a mall Santa and plots to rob the stores on Christmas Eve with his sidekick, Marcus (Tony Cox).—
Verb
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Yet, their followings are distinct from the quasi-religious fervor thar surrounds Khan.—
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Last year, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame chairman John Sykes cracked open the door to dispel a bit of mystique that surrounds his nominating committee.—
Verb
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Gravette may not be where most expect to find an athlete competing on a global stage, but maybe that's just because Madie Edwards knows how to keep a low profile.—
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Armario knows the fast-food world from every angle—rising the industry ranks from Burger King crew member to a McDonald’s executive overseeing global supply chain, development, and franchising.—
Cite this Entry
“Compasses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compasses. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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