orbit 1 of 2

noun

Definition of orbitnext
as in loop

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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

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
Noun
Starlink’s role in supporting Ukrainian communications during Russia’s full-scale invasion has helped demonstrate the strategic value of low-Earth-orbit satellite networks. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026 Starlink, on the other hand, has 11,000 satellites in orbit that provide service to people in over 170 countries and territories. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
With the late morning liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Watkins became the first Black woman to lead a crew to orbit. — Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026 The planetary system is among the most studied in our galaxy, and its star is known to host 30 orbiting comets and a giant disk of dust and debris, which NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope photographed in detail in 2015. — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026 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
  • The feedback loop in action Keep watching, and the algorithm may keep serving up more of the same.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Richard’s singing and rapping weave between the relentless drums like a shuttle through a loom, accented by cool sax notes and vocal loops from the original, which was co-written by Richard’s father.
    — Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of loop
Verb
  • Cosmic death The unnamed exoplanet was discovered circling the white dwarf HS 0209+0832, according to a study published in the journal Nature Astronomy.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Surveillance video shows three vehicles circling the parking lot before a white Toyota Tacoma barrels through the storefront, shattering glass and sending employees running.
    — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of circle
Noun
  • This spa has been a wellness landmark for two decades thanks to its subterranean hydrotherapy circuit, a sequence of hot tubs, grotto waterfalls, and rain shower pools.
    — Adrienne Matei, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The reality star and Skims founder touched down at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend to support boyfriend Lewis Hamilton, bringing a little feminine energy to the Formula 1 circuit.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of circuit
Verb
  • Here the goal is to traverse a sprawling castle, defeating all kinds of monsters and gathering gear and experience points to get stronger.
    — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2026
  • So while Waddington’s landscape looked like a static territory waiting to be traversed, the real landscape changes as cells develop.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of traverse
Noun
  • The trajectories separated into four distinct clusters corresponding to rest, meditation, music, and the movie.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 10 Oct. 2026
  • If this trajectory continues, those proportions will only grow, with red states turning maximally red and blue states maximally blue.
    — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of trajectory
Noun
  • The 42 intricate episodes lining the walls of the Guggenheim’s rotunda follow the iconic winding path of the museum’s white spiral — a path not unlike the circuitous course of a life or a nation’s history.
    — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Choi has rarely followed the conventional path for a Korean actor.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of path
Noun
  • The South Asian country meets nearly 85% of its fuel needs via imports, with the Strait of Hormuz being a key supply route before the war.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The route is expected to come into service next summer, albeit using slower trains that won’t cover the planned 316 miles.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
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 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on orbit

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about orbit

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