Synonyms of 'compass' - Ask.com Search

compass

compass - noun

A line around a closed figure or area: ambit, circuit, circumference, perimeter, periphery. See edge.
The ability or power to seize or attain: capacity, grasp, range, reach, scope. See ability.
An area within which something or someone exists, acts, or has influence or power: ambit, extension, extent, orbit, purview, range, reach, realm, scope, sphere, sweep, swing. See territory.

To encircle with or as if with a band: band, begird, belt, cincture, encompass, engirdle, gird, girdle, girt, ring. Archaic engird. See edge.
To shut in on all sides: begird, beset, circle, encircle, encompass, environ, gird, girdle, hedge, hem, ring, surround. See open.
To perceive and recognize the meaning of: accept, apprehend, catch(on), comprehend, conceive, fathom, follow, get, grasp, make out, read, see, sense, take, take in, understand. Informal savvy. Slang dig. Chiefly British twig. Scots ken. See understand.
To perceive directly with the intellect: apprehend, comprehend, fathom, grasp, know, understand. Scots ken. See knowledge.