range 1 of 2

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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
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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

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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

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

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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

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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
Since launching, the Miami hub has welcomed large brands like American Eagle, Guess and Target along with a range of emerging labels. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 1 July 2025 For me, that lifestyle of being out on the open range was so foreign to me, but also just seemed cool. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 1 July 2025
Verb
Villas range from two to five bedrooms and feature private seawater pools, lush gardens, and breathtaking vistas of the cobalt bay. Marcia Desanctis, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025 Show goers were caught on camera letting loose and shaking their hips to the beat, with fans ranging from young kids to older adults. Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for range
Recent Examples of Synonyms for range
Noun
  • Mott says the farm is open pasture, with no trees for deer to rub their antlers on and regular sun exposure.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 25 June 2025
  • About ten miles in, there lay a quiet place, a wide-open pasture in the mind.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Water tank project removed A plan for a replacement water storage tank in La Jolla that has changed in scope several times over the past decade has changed again — so much so that it was removed from the city budget as a capital project.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025
  • Three federal judges issued nationwide injunctions blocking the order from taking effect, prompting the Trump administration to file an emergency appeal with the Supreme Court to narrow the scope of the orders.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • How the Autism Theater Project was born The theater program showcases lives on and off the spectrum in an authentic way, helping crew members and actors work on productions.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2025
  • Since 2012, private equity sponsors have financed almost 3,000 energy enterprises across the spectrum, worth $617 billion.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 9 July 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
  • Range alcoves are trending again in kitchen design, offering a timeless, architectural look that frames the stove as a focal point and adds character to the space.
    Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025
  • This gives campers a dedicated space to pack their own stove and camping gear without adding the size, weight and price of a full galley area.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Located in one of the most biologically diverse regions of the continental United States, the San Elijo Lagoon Reserve provides critical habitat for a wide range of wildlife.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
  • Others urge for the conservation of the bears’ habitat, and there was even a sanctuary, Libearty Bear Sanctuary, created for them in Zarnesti, according to the outlet.
    Sam Gillette, People.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Cashews are classified as tree nuts, one of the nine major food allergens.
    Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
  • More than half of the cases — 417 — were classified as immigration violations.
    Norma Galeana, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Such broad, open spaces were essential to the origins of the giant sloths, and so creating wide-open spaces helps spur the evolution of giants to roam such environments.
    Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 July 2025
  • Thus, in what could be a bit of serendipity, if the sample return is postponed indefinitely, Perseverance is free to roam beyond the rim of Jezero Crater.
    Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Range.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/range. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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