orbit 1 of 2

verb

Definition of orbitnext
as in to circle
to travel completely around the moon orbits the Earth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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orbit

2 of 2

noun

as in loop

Related 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

Example 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
Verb
Raskin pointed to Trump's past friendship with Epstein, including photos and videos of the two together, and suggested the reversal may be tied to others in Trump's orbit appearing in the documents. —Amanda Castro hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025 With these observations together, the team determined that the chemical signals were coming from a small region of the disc, surrounding the star equivalent to the orbit of the asteroid belt around our sun. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 16 July 2025
Noun
Psyche is a nickel-iron core asteroid that orbits the sun beyond Mars anywhere from 235 million to 309 million miles away. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 July 2025 Gravitational waves are the only way scientists can observe a collision in a binary system in which two black holes orbit each other. —Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for orbit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orbit
  1. circle
  2. loop
  3. traverse
  4. circuit
  5. trajectory
  6. path
  7. route
Verb
  • The recorded flight path shows the aircraft circled a few times before landing.
    — Colson Thayer, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • The plane returned less than an hour after takeoff, circling twice before landing back at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport, according to flight-tracking website Flightradar24.
    — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 13 July 2025
Definition of circle
Noun
  • Why brands are abandoning traditional PR The statistics don’t lie: Hybrid approaches create feedback loops between paid and earned media, driving continuous improvement in both areas.
    — Ascend Agency, Baltimore Sun, 24 July 2025
  • Outfitted with steel cable loops, a waterproof PVC identification tag, and a bendable, flexible silicone body, these Ovener luggage tags were built for the long haul.
    — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2025
Definition of loop
Verb
  • Zion is popular with adventure travelers for challenging hikes such as The Narrows, where hikers traverse Zion Canyon through its narrowest section, which has 1,000-foot-tall walls.
    — Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • Workplaces now are traversing through unique communication barriers, expectations, and leadership dynamics, and Cecile Peterkin, a seasoned leadership coach, mentor, and founder of The Leadership Coaching Center, has witnessed these dynamics firsthand.
    — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 22 July 2025
Definition of traverse
Noun
  • The circuit route will take riders through a range of Baltimore neighborhoods and landmarks: In the opening mile, riders will cross Fells Point’s historic cobblestones, providing an early challenge.
    — Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 23 July 2025
  • Hirsch has been active on the independent circuit since her departure from All Elite Wrestling in February of this year.
    — Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Definition of circuit
Noun
  • Think of two people embarking on separate open-road adventures; the one with a map will likely enjoy a more efficient trajectory.
    — Wes Moss, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Most launches from Vandenberg fly at a south or southeast trajectory.
    — Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of trajectory
Noun
  • Spanning over 2,000 miles of open trail and eventually stretching 3,700 miles from Washington, D.C., to Washington state, the route stitches together a patchwork of rail-trails, greenways, historic paths, and multi-use trails that span across 12 states.
    — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2025
  • There were handshakes and hugs outside of UAW Local 140 in Warren as the members took the first step down a long, winding path to oust UAW President Shawn Fain.
    — Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of path
Noun
  • Hundreds of species, from as far as South America, commonly stop in Kentucky to find food and rest their wings after traveling for miles along their aerial route.
    — Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 24 July 2025
  • Some compare the terraced ruins to Machu Picchu, but with only a few dozen visitors reaching this architectural marvel every day via trekking routes loving cared for and protected by indigenous communities, the experience of a visit couldn't be further from that at the overrun city of the Incas.
    — Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of route

Browse Nearby Words

orb
orbit
orbited
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Cite this Entry

“Orbit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orbit. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on orbit

Nglish: Translation of orbit for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about orbit

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