Synonyms of gamut

gamut

noun

ˈga-mət 

as in spectrum

the distance or extent between possible extremes

the actress's work runs the gamut from goofy comedies to serious historical dramas

Synonyms & Similar Words

• spectrum
• range
• scale
• stretch
• diapason
• spread
• scope
• width
• pitch
• realm
• extent
• measure
• amplitude
• sweep
• ambit
• reach
• compass
• dimension(s)

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun gamut differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of gamut are compass, orbit, range, scope, and sweep. While all these words mean "the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control)," gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another.

a performance that ran the gamut of emotions

When is it sensible to use compass instead of gamut?

The words compass and gamut are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, compass implies a sometimes limited extent of perception, knowledge, or activity.

your concerns lie beyond the narrow compass of this study

In what contexts can orbit take the place of gamut?

Although the words orbit and gamut have much in common, 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 might range be a better fit than gamut?

While in some cases nearly identical to gamut, 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

Where would scope be a reasonable alternative to gamut?

While the synonyms scope and gamut are close in meaning, 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 sweep a more appropriate choice than gamut?

The meanings of sweep and gamut largely overlap; however, sweep suggests extent, often circular or arc-shaped, of motion or activity.

the book covers the entire sweep of criminal activity

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of gamut

Tessmann has won six caps for the USMNT senior side since the Olympics, experiencing the gamut of emotions in the CONCACAF Nations League; from the quarter-final win against Jamaica to playing in both damaging defeats by Panama in the semi-final and Canada in the third-place play-off. —Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 21 May 2025

The display has good viewing angles but a distinctly mediocre color gamut, covering around 60 percent of the SRGB color space (compared to the high 90s for the Laptop 13 and most midrange to high-end IPS screens in other laptops). —ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025

Lollapalooza, and most other major music fests, already offer a gamut of custom opportunities for fans who are willing to pay the price--from VIP viewing areas to exclusive access to elevated food and lounge benefits to pre-and post-parties to backstage experiences. —Cathy Applefeld Olson, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

The tome of charts, maps, proclamations and pledges is designed, planning officials say, to guide the gamut of municipal governing decisions, including budgeting, annexation and zoning. —Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2025

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