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
About a month later, one of two federal mediators assigned to the Starbucks talks was terminated by the Trump administration as part of sweeping cost-cutting actions that have raised concerns among unions and employers that rely on mediation to fend off strikes and settle labor disputes. Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025 Two people died Wednesday after being swept in floodwaters as heavy rain struck Oklahoma and Texas, where around 16 million people were under high water alerts, officials said. Phil Helsel, NBC news, 1 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
  • As Venus harmonizes with Mars on May 11, expect passion and creativity to flow freely in your personal life and relationships, while the sun’s debut in Gemini lights up your ninth house of adventure and self-discovery.
    Staff Author, People.com, 1 May 2025
  • It could be said that mainstream media flows best with a good publisher, so maybe Journalism and Publisher will run in tandem for a bettor’s exacta.
    Jason Jones, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • The glass lobby curves around this view and outside is a huge pool deck with bar and lost of open-air seating.
    Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Highlights in the Land of Enchantment include curving through Apache Canyon, sidling along the red sandstone cliffs near Gallup, and marveling at the barren lava fields of El Malpais National Monument and National Conservation Area.
    Ellen Carpenter, AFAR Media, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After Trump's whiplash on tariffs in recent months, the full scope of the economic impact on Canada is not yet clear.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • Analysts say there is much scope to remove brands and cut headcount.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • Williams had apparently drifted across an invisible whites-only line that the man who killed him was enforcing.
    Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 2 May 2025
  • In an enterprise culture that often drifts toward bloated processes and fuzzy accountability, this insistence on clarity builds trust.
    Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • The utility said preliminary investigation found no evidence that arcing occurred, while acknowledging that some damage was found on related equipment.
    Christopher Weber, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025
  • Overcome by enthusiasm for flight, Icarus arced higher and higher into the sky—and the wings melted.
    Aytekin Tank, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The moon glides through Leo today, inspiring a bold entrepreneurial move.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • To the extent that her current struggles have been psychological, responsibility for helping her through those issues falls to Daria Abramowicz, who has been working as her mental coach for the past five years.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 1 May 2025
  • That’s because the jobs market has generally remained robust on recent reports and to the extent the economy remains strong the FOMC is under limited pressure to act.
    Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Avoid brushing or flossing the surgical sites, and only drink liquids or eat very soft foods.11 Clean the affected area using antibacterial mouthwash.
    Mark Gurarie, Health, 3 May 2025
  • The basic setup is predictably nonsensical — the last time those two saw each other, Emily was trying to kill Stephanie — but the film manages to brush past any objections with surprising ease.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 2 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sweep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sweep. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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