range 1 of 2

1
as in pasture
open land over which livestock may roam and feed knew exactly how many head of cattle were turned out on the range that morning to graze

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
3
as in spectrum
the distance or extent between possible extremes an actor who can go through the full range of emotion, from joy to sorrow, in mere minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5
as in line
a series of persons or things arranged one behind another from the air, the mountain range stretched as far as we could see in both directions

Synonyms & Similar Words

6
as in stove
an appliance that prepares food for consumption by heating it the high-end appliances include a professional-quality gas range

Synonyms & Similar Words

7
as in habitat
the place where a plant or animal is usually or naturally found the American robin's winter range has steadily extended farther and farther north

Synonyms & Similar Words

range

2 of 2

verb

1
2
3
as in to vary
to occur within a continuous range of variation the color of Florida grapefruit can range anywhere from pale pink to ruby red

Synonyms & Similar Words

4

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun range differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of range are compass, gamut, orbit, scope, and sweep. While all these words mean "the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control)," range is a general term indicating the extent of one's perception or the extent of powers, capacities, or possibilities.

the entire range of human experience

When might compass be a better fit than range?

Although the words compass and range have much in common, compass implies a sometimes limited extent of perception, knowledge, or activity.

your concerns lie beyond the narrow compass of this study

When could gamut be used to replace range?

While the synonyms gamut and range are close in meaning, gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another.

a performance that ran the gamut of emotions

Where would orbit be a reasonable alternative to range?

The meanings of orbit and range largely overlap; however, orbit suggests an often circumscribed range of activity or influence within which forces work toward accommodation.

within that restricted orbit they tried to effect social change

When is scope a more appropriate choice than range?

While in some cases nearly identical to range, scope is applicable to an area of activity, predetermined and limited, but somewhat flexible.

as time went on, the scope of the investigation widened

When is it sensible to use sweep instead of range?

The synonyms sweep and range are sometimes interchangeable, but sweep suggests extent, often circular or arc-shaped, of motion or activity.

the book covers the entire sweep of criminal activity

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 range
Noun
Hot chicken tenders and cold boxes of chicken were also outside of their respective safe temperature ranges. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025 In its first two tournament victories, Alabama took 33 percent of its 114 shots (34) from 3-point range. Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
The wild, expensive gift — which he allegedly was cut a sweet deal on — ranges from $5,000-$9,000 according to the site. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 10 Apr. 2025 And the prices range from $78 all the way up to $248. Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for range
Recent Examples of Synonyms for range
Noun
  • Listen to this article WEST SACRAMENTO — The strong scent of cow pasture rode in on the afternoon breeze.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Meander down a long gravel driveway to join an eight-person tour led by Carter. Grab a brush and head out to pasture to meet cows like the affable Ellie, a 5-year-old Highland who loves the limelight, and Bonnie, the independent matriarch.
    Chrissy Suttles, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • With shed space fitted out to complete two yachts ranging from 98-feet to 229-feet and surface area of around 60,000 square feet, the yard has huge scope for future superyacht construction.
    Katia Damborsky, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Do Iranian artists find there is more scope for becoming a professional artist in the diaspora?
    Rebecca Ruth Gould, JSTOR Daily, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the Kansas City metro, police departments at the other end of the spectrum continue to allow for pursuits in most circumstances.
    Bill Lukitsch, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The limited spectrum from fluorescent lighting is primarily blue light, which, after prolonged periods, can adversely affect the eyes.
    Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the meantime, the operator said it’s making progress on its remediation plan, including analysis of other areas and additional in-line inspections.
    Joe Sutton, CNN, 10 Feb. 2023
  • The goal of this relationship is to save you time, trouble, and money down the line.
    Brady Slack, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2023
Noun
  • Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Quesadillas These sheet pan chicken fajita quesadillas are a hassle-free way to make a crowd-pleasing meal without standing over the stove.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Ensure vents for the dryer, furnace stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.
    Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Monitoring underwater biodiversity habitats: By capturing detailed 3D images of underwater ecosystems, the Navigator allows scientists to assess habitat volume and spatial distribution.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • According to the national park's website, the hippos' population has been massively declining due to poaching and habitat destruction.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies the Western Santa Cruz tortoises as critically endangered, estimating approximately 3,400 tortoises remained as of 2010.
    Ayana Archie, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Kathleen Kelley Reardon, an expert on organizational politics, classifies political environments from minimally to pathologically politicized.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • According to the American Emu Association, the birds — which are native to Australia — are often considered livestock, and it's usually recommended that owners have at least one acre of land for the bird to roam.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Fewer crowds, more room to roam, and a slower, sweeter pace—this is Pismo Beach as it was meant to be experienced. Pismo Beach on a Tuesday?
    Cliff Lewis, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Range.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/range. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on range

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!