ambit

noun

am·​bit ˈam-bət How to pronounce ambit (audio)
Synonyms of ambit
1
: circuit, compass
2
: the bounds or limits of a place or district
3
: a sphere of action, expression, or influence : scope

Synonyms of ambit

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Examples of ambit in a Sentence

many feel that church leaders stray outside of their proper ambit when they make specific political endorsements
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The initiative would require an act of Congress, as the FCC’s ambit is limited to the public airwaves. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026 Highlights of Daniels excelling for the Tigers in big games might be considered within the ambit of newsworthiness and defeat a right-of-publicity claim. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Aug. 2026 Will some of our operations fall within the sanctions’ ambit? — Zaharia-Gabriel Sidere, Forbes.com, 6 May 2026 When infused with the power of a rising hegemon, those men were capable of actions that expanded their empire’s ambit. — Alfred McCoy, Literary Hub, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ambit

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin ambitus "circuit, circumference, strip of ground around the outside of a building," from ambīre "to visit in rotation, surround, encircle" + -tus, suffix of action nouns — more at ambient entry 1

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ambit was in 1597

Rhymes for ambit

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Browse Nearby Words

ambisyllabic
ambit
ambition
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Cite this Entry

“Ambit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambit. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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