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 The scope of the damage will depend on how much runoff occurs. Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025 With the fires continuing to rage, the full scope of the lives lost and destruction remains to be seen. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 16 Jan. 2025 While the legislation explicitly names TikTok and ByteDance, experts say its scope is broad and could open the door for Washington to target additional Chinese apps. Dylan Butts, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2025 Just compensate for my skill set within the scope of the business, understanding all the young guys have got to get paid. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for scope 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scope
Noun
  • But strikers Carlos Vinicius, Islam Slimani and, to an extent, Darwin Nunez have struggled to transfer their Primeira Liga form in Portugal to the Premier League.
    The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Here are 8 tips to get started Jan. 20, 2025 This overwhelming community response to a crisis may be helping to cushion the blow for some, to the extent that that’s possible in the face of catastrophic loss.
    Rachel Kraus, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • With Eraserhead, Elephant Man and Dune to his credit, Mr. Lynch had already established his beachhead inside the realm of the bizarre, but this latest venture takes him a lot further.
    Stephen Galloway, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Jan. 2025
  • At the very least, the technology shows a rudimentary robot dance partner is within the realm of possibility.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Plum, who made her third consecutive All-Star appearance in 2024, averaged 17.8 points and 4.2 assists per game, shooting a career-high 36.8% from three-point range.
    Nathan Kamal, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
  • For example, even if older iPhones can download iOS 18, only handsets like the iPhone 15 Pro and the entire iPhone 16 range support Apple's AI capabilities.
    Brenda Stolyar, WIRED, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Particles from wildfire smoke can be much smaller than the width of a human hair.
    George Petras, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
  • In some areas, no more than the width of a suburban lawn separates the project from the retreat.
    Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near scope

Cite this Entry

“Scope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scope. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on scope

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