Synonyms of scope

scope

noun

ˈskōp 

as in extent

an area over which activity, capacity, or influence extends

the company's scope of operations now spans two continents

Synonyms & Similar Words

• extent
• realm
• confines
• range
• width
• reach
• breadth
• spectrum
• ambit
• amplitude
• compass
• sweep
• dimension(s)
• domain
• sphere
• circle
• field
• gamut
• element
• region
• department
• province
• discipline
• specialty
• spread
• terrain
• horizon
• frontier
• panorama
• bailiwick
• fief
• fiefdom
• demesne

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun scope differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scope are compass, gamut, orbit, range, and sweep. While all these words mean "the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control)," scope is applicable to an area of activity, predetermined and limited, but somewhat flexible.

as time went on, the scope of the investigation widened

In what contexts can compass take the place of scope?

The words compass and scope 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

When could gamut be used to replace scope?

The meanings of gamut and scope largely overlap; however, gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another.

a performance that ran the gamut of emotions

When can orbit be used instead of scope?

While in some cases nearly identical to scope, 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 range a more appropriate choice than scope?

While the synonyms range and scope are close in meaning, 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 sweep be a reasonable alternative to scope?

In some situations, the words sweep and scope are roughly equivalent. 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 scope

Video from Placer County rescuers posted to Placer County Sheriff’s Office’s social media showed the scope and scale of the mission, a helicopter flying high above the densely forested terrain along the North Fork, and the search mission’s conclusion. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2025

Associated Press The grand jury's scope was also narrow. —Jesus Mesa gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025

In exchange for sanctions relief, the JCPOA placed strict limits on the scope of Iran’s nuclear activities for at least a decade and subjected those activities to stringent international inspections. —Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025

As in many industries, airlines depend on software vendors for updates and maintenance, and a faulty update can rapidly turn into a major disruption, given the size and scope of their operations. —Barbara Peterson, AFAR Media, 19 Aug. 2025