sweep 1 of 2

1
2
as in to curve
to turn away from a straight line or course from this point the mountain range sweeps to the northeast and extends into the next state

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sweep

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sweep differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sweep are compass, gamut, orbit, range, and scope. While all these words mean "the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control)," sweep suggests extent, often circular or arc-shaped, of motion or activity.

the book covers the entire sweep of criminal activity

When is compass a more appropriate choice than sweep?

In some situations, the words compass and sweep are roughly equivalent. However, 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 sweep?

While in some cases nearly identical to sweep, gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another.

a performance that ran the gamut of emotions

In what contexts can orbit take the place of sweep?

While the synonyms orbit and sweep are close in meaning, 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 might range be a better fit than sweep?

The words range and sweep can be used in similar contexts, but 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 can scope be used instead of sweep?

The words scope and sweep are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, scope is applicable to an area of activity, predetermined and limited, but somewhat flexible.

as time went on, the scope of the investigation widened

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 sweep
Verb
The win continued a banner season for the NASCAR Hall of Famer — who swept two races at Pocono as a driver in 2014 — after JR Motorsports and reigning Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier qualified for the season-opening Daytona 500 and secured their Cup Series debut. Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025 The Pistons swept the Lakers in 1989, claiming their first NBA championship. 1984-85 Lakers: Like the Pistons, the Lakers also learned a difficult lesson a few years earlier, suffering a Game 7 loss in the 1984 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. Mark Lasota, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025
Noun
And the Royals did anything but in the first two games of the series, not to mention during a three-game sweep by the Yankees in New York, a series in which the Royals managed all of six runs. Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2025 In the top of the sixth inning with the Mets trying to finish off a sweep of the Washington Nationals on Thursday afternoon, C.J. Abrams hit a chopper to the left of the first base bag. Abbey Mastracco, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sweep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweep
Verb
  • If Jeff Bezos moves to impoverished West Virginia to start a business next week, capital flows into the Mountain State will be staggeringly large, and that’s true even if Bezos arrives penniless.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Tears were flowing, and Huda questioned why America would decide to split them up.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • The handcrafted sliders in the room are curved without a flaw — and so is the furniture positioned against the walls and the shelves above.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2025
  • Their talons also curve more sharply than those of other raptors, and their footpads are equipped with tiny spines that act like Velcro against fish scales.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • Only after the June 24-25 summit meeting in The Hague – where North Atlantic Treaty Organization members will pledge to spend 5% of GDP on defense – will the US present its military review, which will spell out the scope of what are likely significant reductions in Europe.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 23 June 2025
  • Unless policy reflects the full scope of physical and financial risk, not just short-term political cycles, systems that look solid on paper may collapse under pressure.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • From the moment Voyager 1 appears on screen, floating in silence, then drifting seemingly out of the theater screen toward the audience, the stereo work adds depth and immersion without ever becoming a gimmick.
    Scott Snowden, Space.com, 18 June 2025
  • Smoke from both is drifting south, causing hazy skies across the borderland.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Chesnais designed a collection of cutlery featuring looping and arcing forms, similar to her jewelry, called Carrousel.
    Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 17 June 2025
  • The Frenchman’s shot was a high, arcing ball that took a big hop on the green, bounced on more time and then rolled true into the heart of the hole.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • HGVs are launched by rockets and glide toward targets, while HCMs use air-breathing engines to maintain hypersonic speeds.
    Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • As of now, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass is the only serious candidate in the race, meaning the first-term mayor could glide to reelection.
    Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • That extent is probably not a $7 million contract, which is what both AFP Analytics and Evolving Hockey project on a long-term deal.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • Protecting the safety of our communities and upholding the integrity of lawful demonstrations are priorities, and those who cross the line into violence will be prosecuted swiftly and to the fullest extent of the law.
    Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • But keeping your mouth pristine requires more than just brushing your teeth twice a day.
    Alexis Berger, SELF, 23 June 2025
  • Gianni Infantino is brushing off early criticisms of the Club World Cup this summer.
    Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sweep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sweep. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

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