range 1 of 2

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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
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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

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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

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

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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

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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
Today’s glass block options are available in a vast range of styles, shapes, and colors, making the material more versatile than ever. Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2025 At this point, no long-range models are suggesting Melissa could be a serious threat to Florida. Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
The gold Mega Ball ranges from 1 to 24. Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025 Individual pumpkins range from $3 to $22. Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for range
Recent Examples of Synonyms for range
Noun
  • Beneath a pasture in scenic Lancaster County, archaeologists — and archaeologists in training — recently unearthed the likely remains of the county's oldest tavern, offering a glimpse into colonial American life.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Of course, the high pastures and winding paths in the peaks were long known to local shepherds and villagers.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • As its name suggests, a macroscope is an instrument for making large-scale entities (macro-) visible to the eye (scope).
    Big Think, Big Think, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Scant details While the diplomatic momentum appeared strong, few details were released about the scope of the new trade frameworks.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Other companies, such as BlackSky and Maxar, are providing their own electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imagery—that is, images in the visible and infrared light spectrums—commercially.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Critics will predictably argue that those two positions are inherently linked; on the opposite side of the political spectrum, oil and gas partisans could point to Gates’ essay as proof that climate hysteria was misguided all along and that fossil use should continue unimpeded.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Pop in and out of local galleries, boutiques, and cafes—or maybe time your stroll for happy hour and swing by Arcadian Gallery & Wine Bar for a pre-dinner beverage.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Just steps from the sand and a short stroll to the landmark Huntington Beach Pier, the resort offers 519 spacious rooms and suites — many featuring oceanview terraces, private firepits and adjoining or connecting layouts ideal for a multigenerational family staycation.
    David Dickstein, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Just before the election, the US signed a $20 billion currency swap line agreement with Argentina to shore up the beleaguered peso, which is down more than 30% so far this year.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Both financial health and personal relationships, after all, are on the line.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Shortly after the sheriff's deputies arrived on scene, Grayson pointed out a pot of boiling water on the stove, bodycam footage shows.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
  • When reheating, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Gray said that Audubon and its partners will apply remote sensing technology to areas in Latin America that are part of Conserva Aves, a program that will ultimately protect about 100 areas with important habitats.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Dugongs, however, live exclusively in saltwater habitats.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • What Happens Next Both the Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball classify the New Hampshire Senate race as Leans Democrat.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • MacKinnon had a game-high eight shots on goal, including at least two that can only be classified as great saves by Vejmelka.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Range.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/range. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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