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 crowd was a heady mix of colleagues, clients and friends who ran the gamut from fresh-faced décor up and comers to the last vestiges of the Swifty’s set. — Steven Stolman, Town & Country, "Inside Mario Buatta's Final High Society Farewell," 23 Jan. 2019 Rolex watches span the gamut from affordable to exclusive, starting at less than $6,000 and soaring to limited-edition models that cost more than $300,000. — Paul Sullivan, New York Times, "An Investment on Your Wrist," 25 May 2018 The parents and students raised a gamut of suggestions: Inspecting backpacks, anonymously arming teachers, hiring more school counselors, installing dual-pull levers on fire and lockdown alarms. — Silvia Foster-frau And Andrea Zelinski, San Antonio Express-News, "Families from Texas’ most recent mass shootings come together," 24 May 2018 The parents and students raised a gamut of suggestions: Inspecting backpacks, anonymously arming teachers, hiring more school counselors, installing dual-pull levers on fire and lockdown alarms. — Silvia Foster-frau And Andrea Zelinksi, Houston Chronicle, "Abbott hears from shooting victims," 24 May 2018 Other reasons doctors cited for giving patients Seroquel ran the gamut: obsessive compulsive disorder and autism, nausea and poor appetite, even erectile dysfunction. — Amy Ellis Nutt, Washington Post, "One of America’s most popular drugs — first aimed at schizophrenia — reveals the issues of ‘off-label’ use," 30 Mar. 2018 The roster of past guests includes notable designers Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano, and Dolce & Gabbana among others, whose themes have run the gamut from woodland fantasy to under the sea. — Elle Decor Editors, ELLE Decor, "Diane von Furstenberg's Claridge's Christmas Tree Is All About Love," 27 Nov. 2018 The hearing is expected to last two days, and the judge’s options are broad; in Pennsylvania, the state guideline range of about one to four years spans the gamut from a prison term to a jail stint to house arrest or probation. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Fox News, "Bill Cosby found guilty of sexual assault: A look at the case," 21 Sep. 2018 Much like their reactions to DeDe's death, the comments this time around ran the gamut of approving to disappointed. — Allie Gemmill, Teen Vogue, ""Modern Family" Revealed Major News for Sarah Hyland's Character Haley," 8 Nov. 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.