range 1 of 2

Definition of rangenext
1
as in pasture
open land over which livestock may roam and feed knew exactly how many head of cattle were turned out on the range that morning to graze

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
3
as in spectrum
the distance or extent between possible extremes an actor who can go through the full range of emotion, from joy to sorrow, in mere minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5
as in line
a series of persons or things arranged one behind another from the air, the mountain range stretched as far as we could see in both directions

Synonyms & Similar Words

6
as in stove
an appliance that prepares food for consumption by heating it the high-end appliances include a professional-quality gas range

Synonyms & Similar Words

7
as in habitat
the place where a plant or animal is usually or naturally found the American robin's winter range has steadily extended farther and farther north

Synonyms & Similar Words

range

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to roam
to move about from place to place aimlessly she let her dog off the leash and whistled for him every now and then to make sure he didn't range out of hearing

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to vary
to occur within a continuous range of variation the color of Florida grapefruit can range anywhere from pale pink to ruby red

Synonyms & Similar Words

4

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun range differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of range are compass, gamut, orbit, scope, and sweep. While all these words 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

When might compass be a better fit than range?

Although the words compass and range have much in common, 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 range?

While the synonyms gamut and range are close in meaning, gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another.

a performance that ran the gamut of emotions

Where would orbit be a reasonable alternative to range?

The meanings of orbit and range largely overlap; however, 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 scope a more appropriate choice than range?

While in some cases nearly identical to range, scope is applicable to an area of activity, predetermined and limited, but somewhat flexible.

as time went on, the scope of the investigation widened

When is it sensible to use sweep instead of range?

The synonyms sweep and range are sometimes interchangeable, but sweep suggests extent, often circular or arc-shaped, of motion or activity.

the book covers the entire sweep of criminal activity

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of range
Noun
The companies deny the allegations, arguing that mental health outcomes are shaped by a range of factors beyond social media use. ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026 Talking in an interview about a range of topics, Elko became the latest person to advocate for a college football commissioner. Zoe Collins Rath, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
Lightning Lane Multi Passes, for example, can cost over $40 a day to skip the lines on certain attractions sorted into different tiers, excluding the best and busiest ones, which will require a Lightning Lane Single Pass (those range from $12 to over $20 per attraction). Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2026 The collection is expected to be worth more than $6 million, with items ranging from $30,000 to over $1 million. Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for range
Recent Examples of Synonyms for range
Noun
  • In a cult classic 1976 film, The Bill Koch Experience, the star slaloms at perilous speed through low brush, dodges cows in a pasture, and also leaps off a boulder, only to tumble.
    Bill Donahue, Outside, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Forget cows ambling in biodiverse pastures.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Still, the department is sweeping in its scope, responsible not only for immigration enforcement, but also disaster response and airport security.
    Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 14 Feb. 2026
  • As is tradition in adaptations of Wuthering Heights, Fennell’s film narrows its scope to Heathcliff and Cathy’s relationship and ends with her death.
    Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • However, the backlash from both sides of the political spectrum was too great, and the video was taken down after nearly 12 hours.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Reflect the full spectrum of senior financial needs.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Mystic’s many restaurants (including the famous Mystic Pizza), bars, and shops are a short stroll away.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Soak in the fresh sea breezes at the outdoor garden shower, or simply walk outside directly onto the sand for an early morning stroll or snorkel.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Time lines in such cases are vital, and this one was stretching out.
    Paige Williams, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Near the spires of the Duomo, the line for the Olympics megastore, sparse for weeks, now stretches into the piazza.
    Anthony Faiola, Washington Post, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Spruce tips and wild garlic sit in jars on the shelves, a unicorn gallops across a tapestry on one wall, and there’s a woodburning stove to gather around.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The exterior patio—complete with a wood-burning stove—is an ideal vantage point for watching street life stroll by, craft brew in hand.
    Brad Japhe, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Claws, Shells, And Habitat Some of the most significant differences between the prawns and shrimp include habitat, claws, and shells.
    Susan Hall Mahon, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Coubia refers to a fourth protagonist of this alpine story, the western capercaillie, which was declared extinct in the French Alps in 2000, due to human influence and the degradation of his habitat.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The case is the first time the Justice Department has attempted to classify critical speech from prominent Trump detractors as a crime.
    Jeremy Roebuck, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Commercial prediction markets have resisted efforts by states to classify and regulate them as gambling companies, insisting that they — like their precursor in Iowa — should be overseen by federal regulators.
    Suzy Khimm, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Range.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/range. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

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