General:
* Includes
* Covers
* Contains
* Embraces
* Comprises
* Involves
* Constitutes
* Embodies
More specific:
* Broader scope: Encompasses, in the sense of being very wide-ranging, could be replaced with embraces, spans, entails, or covers comprehensively.
* Specific elements: If "encompasses" refers to including specific parts, you could use consists of, is made up of, or comprises.
* Formal writing: In formal writing, you might use entails, involves, or is characterized by.
The best synonym will depend on the specific context and the desired tone of your writing.