scope

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

Examples 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 scope That battle intensified over the last four years as the EPA tried to evaluate the scope of the public health threat posed by formaldehyde. Sharon Lerner and Al Shaw, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024 High Vis: Guided Tour The latest from London five-piece High Vis might retain the class-centric subject matter of their punk pedigree, but Guided Tour is more of a Britpop record in scope and sonic ambition. Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 4 Dec. 2024 Officials who briefed reporters on the recommendations said the U.S. still doesn’t know the true scope of China’s attack or the extent to which Chinese hackers still have access to U.S. networks. David Klepper, Fortune, 4 Dec. 2024 Expansion of Hotel Brands and Residential Offerings Hotel brands are expanding their scope to offer a more comprehensive range of experiences and services, from boutique, specialized stays to residential options. Roger Sands, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scope 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scope
Noun
  • Even more impressive is the extent to which Netflix’s Solitude tells a dynamic story without oversimplifying García Márquez’s grand themes: politics, religion, autonomy, love, civilization and its endless parade of discontents, and of course the scourge of solitude in all its many manifestations.
    Judy Berman, TIME, 2 Dec. 2024
  • Although the very form of the question—which separates István from his body—to some extent takes us away from the novel’s point of view, which is that István basically is his body.
    Dennis Zhou, The New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • His commitment also led Glen to the realm of authorship.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024
  • While harmless in the realm of fiction, this oversimplification becomes problematic when applied to human relationships and societal dynamics.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Crawling can happen anytime between 6 and 9 months, with some babies crawling either before or after that range.
    ​Wendy Wisner, Parents, 2 Dec. 2024
  • Bence is an occupational therapist with a range of work experience in mental healthcare settings.
    Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The largest gap, known as the Cassini Division, measures only 2,920 miles in width.
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 30 Nov. 2024
  • Wes Burns provides width and crossing down the right, Hutchinson is tricky in tight spaces in the No 10 role, Delap is a battering ram with the ability to also link play, while Sammie Szmodics bursts into goalscoring positions from the left with Leif Davis pushing forward on the overlap behind him.
    Carl Anka, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near scope

Cite this Entry

“Scope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scope. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on scope

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