compass

range, gamut, compass, sweep, scope, orbit mean the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control). 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

gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another.

• • a performance that ran the gamut of emotions

compass implies a sometimes limited extent of perception, knowledge, or activity.

• • your concerns lie beyond the narrow compass of this study

sweep suggests extent, often circular or arc-shaped, of motion or activity.

• • the book covers the entire sweep of criminal activity

scope is applicable to an area of activity, predetermined and limited, but somewhat flexible.

• • as time went on, the scope of the investigation widened

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