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

From dropping details about her new album, The Life of a Showgirl, to discussing her obsession with making sourdough bread, the three-way conversation ran the topical gamut. —Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

From Fred Fellows’ bronze sculptures of cowboys on horseback to David Humphreys Miller’s portraits of Native Americans to Navajo redware pottery by Alice Cling, to vintage movie posters, the permanent collection covers the entire gamut of the west, both real and imagined. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2025

The gamut of oral hygiene, formerly thought of as only teeth cleaning and breath freshening, has recently undergone a massive rebranding, widening conversations on best practices beyond just semiannual visits to the dentist. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 July 2025

On dry land, there’s the usual gamut of vacation activities: hiking, boutique shopping, bombing around via golf cart. —Tim Chester, AFAR Media, 29 July 2025

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