Synonyms of sweep

sweep 1 of 2

verb

ˈswēp 

1

as in to flow

to move or proceed smoothly and readily

the wind swept across the plain without respite

Synonyms & Similar Words

• flow
• drift
• glide
• brush
• sail
• slip
• slide
• coast
• cruise
• breeze
• race
• roll
• stream
• fly
• speed
• rush
• bowl
• skim
• whisk

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• struggle
• limp
• stumble
• flounder
• trudge
• shuffle
• lumber
• plod
• stamp
• stomp
• labor
• tramp
• stump
• toil
• shamble

2

as in to curve

to turn away from a straight line or course

from this point the mountain range sweeps to the northeast and extends into the next state

Synonyms & Similar Words

• curve
• arc
• round
• fall off
• bow
• turn
• wind
• arch
• swerve
• bend
• trend
• hook
• wheel
• curl
• crook
• loop
• circle
• spiral
• coil
• veer
• deviate
• twist
• curlicue

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• straighten

sweep

2 of 2

noun

as in scope

an area over which activity, capacity, or influence extends

Mrs. Griswold has been a teacher for so long that the sweep of her influence extends across three generations of the townspeople

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sweep differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sweep are compass, gamut, orbit, range, and scope. While all these words mean "the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control)," sweep suggests extent, often circular or arc-shaped, of motion or activity.

the book covers the entire sweep of criminal activity

When is compass a more appropriate choice than sweep?

In some situations, the words compass and sweep are roughly equivalent. However, 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 sweep?

While in some cases nearly identical to sweep, gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another.

a performance that ran the gamut of emotions

In what contexts can orbit take the place of sweep?

While the synonyms orbit and sweep are close in meaning, 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 might range be a better fit than sweep?

The words range and sweep can be used in similar contexts, but 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 can scope be used instead of sweep?

The words scope and sweep are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, scope is applicable to an area of activity, predetermined and limited, but somewhat flexible.

as time went on, the scope of the investigation widened

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sweep

Verb

Hawaii residents are still recovering from Hurricane Lala, which produced heavy rain and winds strong enough to sweep about 100 homes off their foundations on the Big Island. — Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026

Her arms and legs were very long and swept the air like wings, and the hem of her skirt trembled in the spotlight. — Tom Drury, Harpers Magazine, 29 Sep. 2026

Noun

Yet there is a paradox within Pachinko that is easy to miss amid its impressive historical sweep. — Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026

With a sweep of the Tigers, the Royals are bringing up the bottom of the AL Central at 58-74. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing sweep

• sweep (away)