Definition of GAMUT

Choose the Right Synonym for gamut

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

Did You Know?

To get the lowdown on gamut, we have to dive to the bottom of a musical scale developed by 11th-century musician and monk Guido of Arezzo. Guido called the first line of his bass staff gamma and the first note in his scale ut, which meant that gamma ut was the term for a note written on the first staff line. In time, gamma ut underwent a shortening to gamut but climbed the scale of meaning. It expanded to cover all the notes of Guido's scale, then all the notes in the range of an instrument, and, eventually, an entire range of any sort.

Examples of gamut in a Sentence

She experienced the full gamut of human emotions. the actress's work runs the gamut from goofy comedies to serious historical dramas

Recent Examples on the Web

The highest ranked Top Workplaces Cincinnati in the midsize division run the gamut from real estate to manufacturing to public education. — Randy Tucker, Cincinnati.com, "Top Workplaces: BRG Realty, Vega Americas and Indian Hill schools top midsize list," 5 June 2019 Accessories, which ran the gamut from sequin palette skinny scarves to frilly socks layered underneath high-top sneakers and patent leather Mary Jane heels, added that extra zing of haute-kitsch. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "Prada Serves Up the Secret to Pulling Off Neon Bright Eye Makeup With Ease," 3 May 2019 Interior design styles run the gamut from coastal to mid-century modern, but there's one aesthetic that's just as worthy of attention: Art Nouveau. — Monique Valeris, ELLE Decor, "Here's Everything You Need to Know About Art Nouveau Design," 28 Mar. 2019 Ireland's capital offers fascinating historical sites like St. Patrick's Cathedral, esteemed art institutions including the National Gallery, and dining that runs the gamut from fine fare to essential pub grub. — Nicola Fumo, Town & Country, "What to Pack for an Irish Getaway," 4 Mar. 2019 This broad category runs the gamut from tiny subcompact crossovers to gargantuan full-size SUVs. — Kirk Seaman, Car and Driver, "2019 Editors' Choice Awards: The Best Trucks, SUVs, and Vans," 24 Jan. 2019 From entry-level collector cars that change hands for just a few thousand dollars to multimillion-dollar investment-grade vehicles, Mecum offerings truly run the gamut with something for every style, taste and budget. — Houston Chronicle, "Mecum Houston 2018 at NRG Center," 22 Mar. 2018 Her stunning buildings run the gamut from low-income housing to libraries in her homeland. — Charles Curkin, ELLE Decor, "60 Seconds with...Mariam Kamara," 22 Jan. 2019 Lawmakers and staff described the Friday deposition as covering a gamut of topics related to law-enforcement decisions during the 2016 campaign. — Byron Tau, WSJ, "Comey Faces Lawmaker Queries Over 2016 Campaign," 7 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gamut.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.