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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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

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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
Noun
  • Furthermore, loosening these restrictions risks igniting new supply friction.
    — , CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
  • There have been numerous efforts to control campaign spending and the content of political ads, but like water running downhill, politicians manage to get around restrictions.
    — Cal Thomas, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But their newfound popularity also brought new attention to their limitations — several studies have shown that pulse oximeters overestimate blood oxygen levels when used on darker skin tones.
    — Anil Oza, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Since the players sued in 2024, the claim was filed well after the applicable limitations period expired.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Many have been feeling the squeeze as costs for inputs like diesel, fertilizer and seed have soared thanks to refinery constraints and supply disruptions amid the Iran war.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • In California, municipal utilities face constraints in raising rates under Proposition 218, a ballot initiative passed in 1996 that says fees must reflect the costs of providing service.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Circumscription.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumscription. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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