Synonyms of scope

scope

noun

ˈskōp 

as in extent

an area over which activity, capacity, or influence extends

the company's scope of operations now spans two continents

Synonyms & Similar Words

• extent
• realm
• confines
• range
• width
• reach
• breadth
• spectrum
• ambit
• amplitude
• compass
• sweep
• dimension(s)
• domain
• sphere
• circle
• field
• gamut
• element
• region
• department
• province
• discipline
• specialty
• spread
• terrain
• horizon
• frontier
• panorama
• bailiwick
• fief
• fiefdom
• demesne

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scope

In a partnership of similar scope, leading tannery Rino Mastrotto Group and the Marzotto Group have revealed the creation of Jacqart — Trame d’Arredo, a company specialized in the production of high-quality jacquard fabrics and velvets. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 11 July 2025

The next day is more of the same, and a keen reminder that this is Indiana men’s basketball in its scope, and a keen reminder that this is Indiana men’s basketball in the fitful stages of transition, all at once. —Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 11 July 2025

This summit is unusually narrow in scope: five nations — Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal — were invited, notably excluding regional heavyweights like Nigeria or South Africa. —Yohann Ripert, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025

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