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
Just a few weeks later, she was swept off to the WNBA draft and selected by Dallas as a guard. Grace Harrington, People.com, 19 May 2025 The movie is also a plea to not sweep the past under the carpet. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
Noun
The Hurricanes’ gentleman’s sweep of the Devils in this year’s first round set up a rematch that is years in the making: The Capitals, back on top as the Metropolitan Division’s best team, will face Carolina in the second round. Cory Lavalette, New York Times, 3 May 2025 The city will determine afterward if additional sweeps are needed. Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sweep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweep
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the Treasury Department reported a record $16.3 billion in customs duties in April as revenue from Trump’s tariffs began to flow in.
    Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 13 May 2025
  • This will not only provide faster throughput performance, but will also help reduce latency and allow data to flow unimpeded by network traffic or interference.
    Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Her one-shoulder design was perfectly tailored to curve to her body for sleek yet stylish sophistication.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 5 May 2025
  • Jay Hook had a degree in engineering and was the rare pitcher who could explain how a curveball curves.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • The scope for Wieffer, O’Riley and Gomez to improve in their second seasons at Brighton provides hope of bridging the gap.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • Are these films more intimate in scope, or has there been there a shift in scale?
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Rebalance Regularly Over time, your portfolio may drift from your original allocation due to market movements.
    Francis Gingras Roy, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Flower beds burst with color thanks to the volunteer Village Gardeners, heritage buildings peek out from redwoods, and the hum of conversation drifts from coffee cups at Sue’s cafe.
    Belal Aftab, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Attorneys representing residents who have filed lawsuits against Southern California Edison allege witnesses saw arcing at the tower moments before the blaze.
    Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Gulping 40,000 pounds of propellant per second, the booster climbed away from its launch stand and gracefully arced over to the east atop a long jet of flaming exhaust visible for dozens of miles around.
    William Harwood, CBS News, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Fresh off a victory that propelled the New York Knicks to the second round of the playoffs, Bridges glided to his locker, Eurostepping a ghost and pretending to take off from his right leg.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • The moon glides through Leo today, inspiring a bold entrepreneurial move.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • Thus, to the extent that the IEEPA’s language is unclear, the major questions doctrine suggests that the law should be construed to not permit these tariffs.
    Ian Millhiser, Vox, 13 May 2025
  • The extent of an Artemis lunar surface presence would be determined by several factors, including the cost and safety of this transportation program and whether there are meaningful things for astronauts to do on the Moon.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • His administration brushed off the pope's past social media activity.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • In Italy, the Society of Paediatric Dentistry recommends a series of interventions for children such as brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and reducing sugary food and drinks.
    Soph Warnes, CNN Money, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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