scope

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun scope differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scope are compass, gamut, orbit, range, and sweep. While all these words mean "the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control)," scope is applicable to an area of activity, predetermined and limited, but somewhat flexible.

as time went on, the scope of the investigation widened

In what contexts can compass take the place of scope?

The words compass and scope are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 scope?

The meanings of gamut and scope largely overlap; however, gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another.

a performance that ran the gamut of emotions

When can orbit be used instead of scope?

While in some cases nearly identical to scope, 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 range a more appropriate choice than scope?

While the synonyms range and scope are close in meaning, 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

Where would sweep be a reasonable alternative to scope?

In some situations, the words sweep and scope are roughly equivalent. However, sweep suggests extent, often circular or arc-shaped, of motion or activity.

the book covers the entire sweep of criminal activity

Examples 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 scope That battle intensified over the last four years as the EPA tried to evaluate the scope of the public health threat posed by formaldehyde. Sharon Lerner and Al Shaw, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024 High Vis: Guided Tour The latest from London five-piece High Vis might retain the class-centric subject matter of their punk pedigree, but Guided Tour is more of a Britpop record in scope and sonic ambition. Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 4 Dec. 2024 Officials who briefed reporters on the recommendations said the U.S. still doesn’t know the true scope of China’s attack or the extent to which Chinese hackers still have access to U.S. networks. David Klepper, Fortune, 4 Dec. 2024 Expansion of Hotel Brands and Residential Offerings Hotel brands are expanding their scope to offer a more comprehensive range of experiences and services, from boutique, specialized stays to residential options. Roger Sands, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scope 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scope
Noun
  • On average, the court takes six months to issue an opinion but given the extent of the proceedings, a decision isn’t expected until late in 2025.
    Molly Quell, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
  • You were bound to feel the full extent of these eclipses, as your birth chart is saturated with intense cardinal sign energy (that is, the energy of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn).
    Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Earn rewards on your spending: Best credit cards for shopping In the realm of experiences, cruise company Virgin Voyages began this month offering its first product accepting bitcoin as a payment option — a $120,000 annual pass for up to a year of sailing on its cruise ships.
    Mimosa Spencer, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Given all of that, what possible threat could an email service launched by Elon Musk, let alone one that currently remains in the realm of rumor, pose to Gmail users?
    Davey Winder, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Montblanc also offers a range of personalized customization services, including the premium custom nib service for Meisterstück writing instruments, allowing customers to create writing tools tailored to their individual preferences and writing styles.
    Fairchild Studio, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Inside, guests can enjoy a chic black-and-white photo booth and admire mannequins showcasing Skims’ coveted collection in a diverse range of shades.
    Essence, Essence, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The entire goal post is the width of a five-dollar bill.
    Michael Salfino, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024
  • There’s also a terrace on the parlor floor that spans the width of the home.
    Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near scope

Cite this Entry

“Scope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scope. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on scope

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