range 1 of 2

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
By Sarah Bence, OTR/L Bence is an occupational therapist with a range of work experience in mental healthcare settings. Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2026 That means any imminent air strikes would come from a range of airbases in the Persian Gulf region, or from farther afield. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
Dishes range from caviar or rock oysters (teamed with cranberry, spiced pumpkin, and classic sauces) to Dover sole meunière, Cornish lobster bisque, black truffle arancini, seared scallop, loin of venison, and chocolate bombs for dessert. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Jan. 2026 Viking Mississippi’s available cruises – ranging from eight to 22 days long – currently start at $3,499 per person based on double occupancy, according to the cruise line’s website. Nathan Diller, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for range
Recent Examples of Synonyms for range
Noun
  • The Mountain Campus features pastures, hills, lakes, log cabins, an old mill, and hiking trails leading to the House O’ Dreams, a large stone and board-and-batten cottage on top of Lavender Mountain.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2026
  • The badger prefers habitats with short grass, such as fields and pastures.
    Michael Guise, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Researchers emphasize that the full scope of the outbreak among elephant seals may be far greater than current numbers suggest.
    Brian Hackney, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Other defense contractors’ compensation and capital allocation practices align with other aspects of the executive order, although the scope varies, MyLogIQ data shows.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Despite the 12-day Israeli war on Iran last summer, figures on all sides of the political spectrum came together in a rare show of unity, denouncing Israel for striking their country.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 7 Jan. 2026
  • On the other end of the style spectrum, Lily Collins has shown how elevated mom jeans can be, wearing mom jeans with black stilettos and a chunky belt.
    Aaron Royce, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Participants will learn about the flora and fauna that make up the San Diego River ecosystem during the stroll along the river.
    Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
  • New research suggests that light daily movement, such as gentle stretching, a leisurely stroll, or easy household chores like vacuuming are linked to a lower risk of death in people with these overlapping conditions, called cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • After a turnover by the Kraken in the neutral zone back across the blue line, Carrick got the puck, skated into the left circle and beat Grubauer low on the blocker side.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
  • As South Florida continues to struggle with housing and traffic, a new Hialeah rental community is tackling both issues with garden-style apartments built near public transit lines.
    Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The grits cradle the saucy shrimp, which come together quickly while the grits stay warm on the stove.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
  • The remainder of the kitchen is located across the aisle on a block that features an integrated dual-burner gas stove/sink or optional induction cooktop and independent sink.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The commission, which protects public access and environmental quality in the Coastal Zone, a strip of land that follows California’s shoreline, accused Levy of blocking public access to the beach, removing shorebird habitat and illegally installing the pickleball court.
    CalMatters, Oc Register, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Those like the western diamondbacks are usually found in desert and plains habitats, Pandelis said, and are in the outer edge of their range in the D-FW area.
    Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The department classifies Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger under its highest Level 4 advisory, warning Americans about issues of terrorism, crime, kidnapping, and more.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Those only include what the police classify as murders or non-negligent manslaughter.
    Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Range.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/range. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

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