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
Companies sometimes skirt the issue by publishing wide salary ranges, which could deter women from applying. Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 16 July 2026 Some only have two or three recline options, whereas top-dollar models can be adjusted between a set range of angles for a more personalized lounging experience. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
Verb
The association represents approximately 400 grocery stores and suppliers, ranging from small (less than 11 stores) to large (over 270 stores) operations. Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026 Alaei and her colleagues exposed superworms to dead animals of all sizes, ranging from mice, fish and small birds to wolves and wild cats. Ari Daniel, NPR, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for range
Recent Examples of Synonyms for range
Noun
  • Tour du Mont Blanc across three countries Circling the highest peak in the Alps, the Tour du Mont Blanc crosses France, Italy and Switzerland, delivering high pastures, jagged glaciers and comfortable lodgings at the end of each day.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
  • Up in the Catskills, a farmer named Max Yasgur was getting his pasture ready for a little concert called Woodstock.
    Star-Telegram staff, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • Robb declined to comment beyond confirming his scope and dates of work for the mayor and Lineage.
    Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
  • This leaves little scope for a winger of Garnacho’s type with Chelsea already moving for suitable wing backs in the summer transfer window.
    Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • The licenses are split into 11 lots, valued at $230 million in total, with clauses to prevent a single company from owning all the spectrum bands.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 17 July 2026
  • That sparked concerns across the political spectrum about investors blocking homeownership and driving up rents.
    Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • Take a stroll, make memories, enjoy some good food and take lots of pictures.
    Justin Brown, AJC.com, 12 July 2026
  • Like any great indie B-side collection,Complete B-Sides is an alternative stroll through Pixies’ best moves or a Through the Looking-Glass greatest hits.
    Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • If no shelter is available avoid trees, power lines, and the side of the road.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
  • Republicans need near-unanimous support to pass a party-line bill, but fiscal hawks and Senate Republicans are not fully on board.
    Jarrell Dillard, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • It's shown here furnished with a sofa and has a wood-burning stove for warmth.
    Adam Williams July 15, New Atlas, 15 July 2026
  • Pets and other animals accidentally start hundreds of home fires each year, often by knocking over candles, tipping space heaters or bumping stove knobs.
    Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Researchers think the species could be at risk due to its limited range, hunting pressure, habitat loss and small population size.
    Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
  • Preparation has also included modifications to the giraffe habitat.
    Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • The Education Department initially classified only 11 fields as professional, leaving out areas including nursing, physical therapy and education.
    Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Devine told me that e-bike and moped marketing is confusing and regulations keeping e-bikes safely classified are cloudy.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026

Cite this Entry

“Range.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/range. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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