encompassing
Also found in: Thesaurus, Idioms.
en·com·pass
(ĕn-kŭm′pəs)tr.v. en·com·passed, en·com·pass·ing, en·com·pass·es
1. To form a circle or ring around; encircle.
2. To enclose; envelop: "The blackness of the eternal night encompassed me" (Edgar Allan Poe).
3. To have as part of something larger; include: a galaxy encompassing billions of stars. See Synonyms at include.
en·com′pass·ment n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Switch to new thesaurus
Adj. | 1. | encompassing - broad in scope or content; "across-the-board pay increases"; "an all-embracing definition"; "blanket sanctions against human-rights violators"; "an invention with broad applications"; "a panoptic study of Soviet nationality"- T.G.Winner; "granted him wide powers" across-the-board, all-embracing, all-encompassing, all-inclusive, blanket, broad, extensive, panoptic, wide comprehensive - including all or everything; "comprehensive coverage"; "a comprehensive history of the revolution"; "a comprehensive survey"; "a comprehensive education" |
2. | encompassing - closely encircling; "encompassing mountain ranges"; "the surrounding countryside" close - at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other; "close to noon"; "how close are we to town?"; "a close formation of ships" |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.