sweep 1 of 2

1
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sweep

2 of 2

noun

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

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 sweep
Verb
Or sweep the debris off your front porch? Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025 The Gophers last swept UND in November 2011 in Minneapolis. Brad Schlossman, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
With the sweep, Los Angeles now heads to its second consecutive World Series, looking to defend last year’s title and continue its modern dynasty under manager Dave Roberts. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025 When the Supreme Court recently allowed immigration agents in the Los Angeles area to take race into consideration during sweeps, Justice Brett Kavanaugh said that citizens shouldn’t be concerned. Nicole Foy, ProPublica, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sweep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweep
Verb
  • Fiercely and humanely protect whatever gives you the most joy and grounding as it is needed to provide the core energy and wellspring from which everything else flows.
    Kat McGowan, NPR, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Brandy and Monica were on their feet for almost every song, grooving alongside a captivating ensemble of dancers who flowed through hip hop and contemporary dance styles.
    Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • At an altitude of 625 kilometers, an 18-meter reflector — even if optimally curved to focus that light down onto the Earth’s surface — would create a spot of light just-under 6 km across on Earth’s surface.
    Big Think, Big Think, 15 Oct. 2025
  • This Samsung Odyssey curved monitor deal sets you up with pro visuals at a much friendlier $179 price tag on Walmart.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But this scene is much bigger in scope with over 100 people involved.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Lou Tobin, executive director of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys' Association, said prosecutors have narrowed their scope for death penalty cases and primarily pursue it when a child or multiple people die.
    Haley BeMiller, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While drifting lower from late September record highs, the stock was still up nearly 35% year to date — outperforming the S & P 500′s 13% advance.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
  • According to a preliminary investigation, a passenger vehicle was traveling northbound in the third lane when, for an unknown reason, the driver drifted across the lanes.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Starting from Fenway Park’s Pesky Pole, and arcing all the way around to the Fisk Pole, here’s who made the grade.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 15 Oct. 2025
  • There arc few, if any, clearings, old apple trees, and old stone walls.
    Worth Matthewson, Outdoor Life, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Her voice, languid and honeyed, can glide over sensual R&B, bouncing reggaetón, shimmering pop or nostalgic jazz.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Lego Batman can effortlessly glide from foe to foe, linking punches and kicks from one bad guy to the next.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Dozens are still missing and officials warn the full extent of the devastation in remote towns of 500 to 1,000 residents remains unknown.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
  • To the extent permitted by applicable law, all judgments or awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket damages (excluding attorneys’ fees) associated with participation in this Promotion and shall not include any indirect, punitive, incidental and/or consequential damages.
    Vogue, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Other poses featured Bieber kissing Kardashian on the cheek and the latter sensually brushing a rose against the former’s face.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Kingston brushed off the telltale signs of uterine cancer as typical aging, a mistake experts say can cost women their lives.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sweep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sweep. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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