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 Their circumscription, however, does not make Assad’s current priorities less dangerous. Lina Khatib, Foreign Affairs, 17 Jan. 2020 Conditions explicitly accounted by our model include warfare, circumscription, variation in productivity between different local communities, ability to generate surpluses, ability to delegate power, and restrictions on the growth of polities due to scalar stress. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2011 That said, the impact of Mr. Cervas’s circumscription has already been profound, creating the likelihood of highly competitive general-election campaigns from Long Island to upstate New York. New York Times, 28 May 2022 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 REM candidates made the second round in 453 circumscriptions and its MoDem allies qualified in another 62. Gregory Viscusi, Bloomberg.com, 18 June 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumscription
Noun
  • Public-health guidelines are not scripture, and Americans will still find plenty of reason to debate when restrictions have gone too far, or when health officials have gotten the guidance wrong.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The restrictions Ritchin describes relate mostly to photography’s troubling inability to illustrate what is outside the frame.
    Emmanuel Iduma, ARTnews.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But Trump’s order may face limitations short of an act of Congress, which has through the years tried to shield the journalistic entities from political influence.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 15 Mar. 2025
  • As the court case and investigation into the crash proceeds, Schaffer said the operator of the Stena Immaculate may file a limitation of liability in federal court in an effort to restrict its financial exposure.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Why Unified Decision-Making Is Critical The constraints of specialized cybersecurity teams underscore businesses' need to have a holistic view of cybersecurity signals and coordinate actions across their cybersecurity functions.
    Ambuj Kumar, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Efficient Resource Allocation-by utilizing smart city technologies, the city can track and allocate resources effectively, optimize service delivery,and streamline government operations to meet these budget constraints.
    Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Circumscription.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumscription. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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