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
Chris Brown left his mark on the 2025 NAACP Image Awards, sweeping all three categories in which he was nominated. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 24 Feb. 2025 Ledisi, backed by Adam Blackstone and the BBE All-Star band, performed a tribute, fresh off of her sweeping Super Bowl rendition of the Black National Anthem earlier this month. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
Now, coming off a road sweep of UCLA and Southern Cal, Johnson is bringing up the preseason prognosis yet again. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 21 Feb. 2025 But with a high inflation episode still top of mind, consumers still spending, and higher sensitivity at the Fed to how supply disruptions can create persistent inflation, the sweep and extent of Trump's plans are causing concern. Howard Schneider, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sweep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweep
Verb
  • Corporate news While investors wait for broad economic signs, company news continued to flow.
    Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Videos and photos of the bright orange lava flowing down the mountainside went viral after a group of hikers posted them on social media.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The river eventually curves and disappears into the distance.
    David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 15 Feb. 2025
  • The long hood curves back to a glass bubble that mimics a fighter jet cockpit.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The effort would divert in-house teams from their core functions at a time when their role is expanding in scope, complexity, and significance.
    Mark A. Cohen, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
  • This gives the company scope to reshuffle production and make more for the local market if U.S. President Donald Trump follows through on threats to impose tariffs of around 25% on vehicle imports.
    Victoria Waldersee, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • As for the content, the rest of the movie features Orsolya drifting from one encounter to another, meeting with friends and family to talk about what happened and try to unpack her feelings.
    Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The soundtrack shows off Luckey’s versatility, her husky voice drifting between rock, new wave, house and adult contemporary.
    Rich Juzwiak, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Cars everywhere were ablaze, and a dome of embers arced above the avenue like festival lights strung above streets in Little Italy.
    Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2025
  • Attorneys for Edelson allege that the video shows arcing, and sparks falling onto the dry hillside.
    Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Specs: One red light (630 nm) wavelength Best For: Brightening, diminishing dark spots, smoothing fine lines How to Use: Moving in an upward direction, glide the tool across hydrated skin on the jaw, cheeks, neck, forehead, under-eye area, and upper lip.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 22 Feb. 2025
  • And then there are flying squirrels, which don't actually fly, but use the flaps of skin between their legs to glide through the air.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • While a full repeal is unlikely, Congress could codify clearer standards for which decisions are subject to environmental reviews, establish uniform procedures, and define the extent of judicial review, including placing limits on judicial injunctions.
    James Broughel, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Realizing the extent of losses from the Palisades and Eaton fires, perhaps the cost of greater water delivery capacity would now be justified.
    Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Earlier this month, Murray Auchincloss, BP’s current chief executive, brushed off an analyst’s question about reverting to a more normal approach to the Russian holding, noting that Rosneft remained under sanctions by more than a dozen countries.
    Stanley Reed, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025
  • While many dismiss this sort of movie fare, and many others brushed off a later-career showing from the Wayans, those who respect the parody’s never-taking-itself-too-seriously nature will find that Marlon Wayans still knew how to make a hilarious spoof into the 2010s and beyond.
    Travis Bean, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sweep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sweep. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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