compass

[kuhm-puhs] / ˈkʌm pəs /

NOUN

boundary, periphery

Synonyms

STRONG

ambit area bound circle circuit circumference circumscription confines domain enclosure environs expanse extent field limit limitation orbit perimeter precinct purlieus purview radius range reach realm restriction round scope sphere stretch sweep zone

Antonyms

STRONG

freedom infinity inside interior middle open release

VERB

enclose

Synonyms

STRONG

beset besiege blockade circle circumscribe encircle encompass environ gird girdle ring round surround

WEAK

hem in

Antonyms

STRONG

free let go

WEAK

fail lose

VERB

achieve, get

Synonyms

STRONG

accomplish annex attain effect execute fulfill gain have land obtain perform procure realize secure win

WEAK

bring about

Antonyms

STRONG

abandon fail forfeit forget give up ignore lose miss neglect

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.

The team sergeant instinctively put his freezing metal compass between his lips, and nearly got a frost injury.

From The Wall Street Journal

So this is really sort of the compass, the North Pole, everything has to be focused on that.

From The Wall Street Journal

While history provides a guide to what’s likely to come next, it’s more of a compass than a GPS.

From Barron's

I feel like they deserve each other and like they’re the two with the most well-rounded moral compass.

From Los Angeles Times