range 1 of 2

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

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6
as in stove
an appliance that prepares food for consumption by heating it the high-end appliances include a professional-quality gas range

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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

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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
The new trade deal has tariffs on China shoe imports in the range of 20 percent to 27 percent, depending on classification and not including existing duties. Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025 Medora, however, has a nice range of dining options, including burgers at the Little Missouri Saloon and steak dinners at Theodore’s Dining Room. Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
The cookbooks, as precise and organized as a home ec teacher’s pantry, are filled with family-favorite recipes ranging from Wild-Rice Barley Casserole to Finnish Pulla Coffee Bread. Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025 Republican leaders only need five additional votes to fund the government, and the group involved in the talks has ranged from 10 to 12 Democratic senators. Dave Smith, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for range
Recent Examples of Synonyms for range
Noun
  • Envision has put this into action by reforesting the site, where many of the trees were cut down in the mid-20th century to make space for a cattle pasture.
    Katie Bain, Billboard, 10 Nov. 2025
  • It is slated to include an 11,767-square-foot temple and 10 homes along with a farm, cow pasture, flower garden, dining hall, book shop and classrooms.
    Stacy Brandt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Every 10 years, after a long debate about the scope and parameters of public funding for the BBC and the issuing of white papers, a charter for its continual operation is submitted to the Sovereign, now King Charles III, for the royal seal of approval.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The training program at Base Aeronaval Cristóbal Colón, formerly known as Fort Sherman, is relatively small in scope but is expected to ramp up over the next year, according to one defense official.
    Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Even the people at the other end of the spectrum, who are resisting the very idea of change, represent a customer service failure on your part.
    Phil Gilbert, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025
  • Red portions of the visible light spectrum easily penetrate skin and become absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood.
    Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Here to take you from the city stroll to the last-minute flight, the bag — offered in brown and blue, tulip-pink and emerald, or hot-pink and emerald — will do wonders when worn alongside breezy linen separates, denim dresses, and Larroudé’s own Verona New Macrame Flats in Burnt Umber Leather.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Outside, lush tropical gardens and an expansive evergreen lawn provide ample opportunities for strolls and prime waterfall views, while the heated pool, surrounded by palms towering over chaise lounges, is the perfect spot to unwind and listen to a live band playing in the courtyard.
    Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Straight line winds can blow down trees, power lines, and damage mobile homes and other buildings.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Some incredible lines come out of people’s mouths, and then the clouds gather again.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Even in a tiny home, this layout allows for a stove, dishwasher, fridge, and the essential farmhouse sink to tie it all together.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Other highlights include a living room sporting a wood-burning stove, a dining area that connects to a kitchen outfitted with open shelving and stainless appliances, and a bath equipped with a porcelain tub.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Experts say this is partly because bears are increasingly venturing out of their traditional habitats and into urban areas in search of food.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Sulfur caves are among the most extreme habitats on Earth.
    Humberto Basilio, Scientific American, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The ratings group classifies 17 Republican Senate seats as solid Republican, with only two likely Republican and one as leans Republican.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Furthermore, policymakers and procurement officials now classify technologies by urgency.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Range.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/range. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

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