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 If needed, a cystoscopy—involving the insertion of a lighted scope into the urethra—can directly check for blockages or other structural abnormalities.13 If a UTI is involved, a urine culture and urine DNA test may be ordered to pinpoint which species of bacteria is involved. Kashif J. Piracha, Verywell Health, 1 Jan. 2025 The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is investigating the hack to determine its scope. Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 31 Dec. 2024 The first step is a revolution of thought, including acknowledging the full scope of our belief system — including the thorny parts. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 31 Dec. 2024 The device is unable to determine the exact gas type and full scope of any leak over time. Evan Simon, ABC News, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scope 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scope
Noun
  • Advertisement But the facts are the facts — the Palisades, and to a lesser extent Altadena and the other areas experiencing fire, are all in high-risk fire zones.
    Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
  • And of course, the extent to which various aspects of the Christian nationalist agenda align with Trump’s own priorities and with those of members of his inner circle, like Elon Musk.
    John Blake, CNN, 12 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • At the very least, the technology shows a rudimentary robot dance partner is within the realm of possibility.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Then, there was a report that his agent, Scott Boras, was seeking a deal in the $200 million realm, comparable to the contract the Detroit Tigers gave Prince Fielder in 2012.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The partnership introduces a premium, golf-centric experience in a much different environment from the traditional boutique fittings that are conducted on the range at golf facilities, at specialty club-fitters, or in select golf retail outlets.
    Erik Matuszewski, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Atypical antipsychotics – medication used to treat a range of psychiatric disorders – are often used to treat psychosis in Alzheimer’s patients even though they are not approved for that purpose.
    Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Particles from wildfire smoke can be much smaller than the width of a human hair.
    George Petras, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
  • In some areas, no more than the width of a suburban lawn separates the project from the retreat.
    Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near scope

Cite this Entry

“Scope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scope. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on scope

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