circumscription

noun

ˌsər-kəm-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce circumscription (audio)
Definition of circumscriptionnext
1
as in restriction
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice such circumscriptions on the freedom of speech are antithetical to a free and open society

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in limitation
the act or practice of keeping something (as an activity) within certain boundaries electronic monitoring bracelets are sometimes used to impose a circumscription of movement on people awaiting trial

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 circumscription Thanks to its constitutional provenance, presidential pardon power faces little legal circumscription and minimal disclosure requirements for clemency advocacy efforts. — Willem Marx, Vanity Fair, 18 Feb. 2026 Their circumscription, however, does not make Assad’s current priorities less dangerous. — Lina Khatib, Foreign Affairs, 17 Jan. 2020 Longtime readers of the site, though, have noted that the site no longer functions this way, in part because the Internet isn’t currently a space conducive to blinders and circumscription. — Ross Scarano, Billboard, 6 May 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumscription
  1. restriction
  2. limitation
  3. constraint
Noun
  • The majority are rated for adults, but others are deemed suitable for teens, and a few have no age restrictions.
    — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The organization said the changes are intended to keep its textile and leather labels compliant as the bloc tightens its restrictions on green claims.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of restriction
Noun
  • One limitation of the study is students may not have been aware of what’s included in their school curricula, Robb said.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • That limitation matters less for applications tied to biological processes.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of limitation
Noun
  • Facing supply constraints, automakers manufactured more expensive and higher-margin vehicles.
    — Robert Ferris, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Which time-share back has the best chance to break free of his constraints?
    — Jess Bryant, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of constraint

Browse Nearby Words

circumscribing
circumscription
circumscriptions
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Cite this Entry

“Circumscription.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumscription. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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