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

Studies have since revealed the scope of corporate efforts to dismantle public transit systems and thus encourage car ownership. —Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 22 June 2025

Decisions are expected in a dispute over online age verification for adult websites, parental opt-out rights for kids in public schools exposed to LGBTQ themes, and, the scope of nationwide injunctions against President Donald Trump's second-term policies. —Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 20 June 2025

More admired than beloved, the show has extended an open challenge to theater artists drawn to the sophisticated majesty of Brown’s Tony-winning score but daunted by the expansive scope of Uhry’s Tony-winning book. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025

The camera swings rapidly around the room, trying to capture the full scope of the event: dozens of people on their phones making calls or texting, their faces grim. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 20 June 2025