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

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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

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 gamut Yet the clear and growing danger is that perceived American hypocrisy regarding Ukraine and Gaza is now bleeding into discussions across the gamut of U.S. foreign policy, particularly over the future of self-ruling Taiwan. Charlie Campbell, Time, 2 May 2025 Our color gamut test proved more positive, as the P3425WE managed to display 110.4% of the sRGB color space (shown in the chart above), 78.4% of Adobe RGB, and 81.4% of DCI-P3 (shown in the chart below). PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025 However, its color coverage is ho-hum, with only 63% coverage of the sRGB gamut, in line with the Toughbook's screen. PC Magazine, 19 Apr. 2025 Dolby Vision is a premium image format that supports a wide color gamut and 4K resolution. Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gamut
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gamut
Noun
  • But that can really coexist on both sides of the political spectrum.
    Sean Illing, Vox, 12 May 2025
  • Fans have interpreted Murderbot as asexual, gender-fluid and on the autism spectrum.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Specifically, researchers discovered a link between a heart failure diagnosis and having problems with a broad range of mental processes, such as memory, paying attention, and planning.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 16 May 2025
  • Arts Alliance has backed a diverse range of companies, including Ocado, Lastminute, Picturehouse Cinemas, LoveFilm, Arts Alliance Media, Metfilm Studios, Metfilm School, and Park Circus.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gamut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gamut. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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