an area over which activity, capacity, or influence extends
- the company's scope of operations now spans two continents
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ambit,
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amplitude,
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breadth,
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compass,
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confines,
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dimension(s),
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extent,
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range,
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reach,
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realm,
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sweep,
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width
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bailiwick,
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circle,
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demesne,
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department,
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discipline,
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domain,
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element,
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fief,
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fiefdom,
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field,
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province,
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region,
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specialty,
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sphere,
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terrain
See the Dictionary Definition
Frequently Asked Questions About scope
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
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Time Traveler for scope
The first known use of scope was circa 1555
See more words from the same year