range 1 of 2

Definition of rangenext
1
as in pasture
open land over which livestock may roam and feed knew exactly how many head of cattle were turned out on the range that morning to graze

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
3
as in spectrum
the distance or extent between possible extremes an actor who can go through the full range of emotion, from joy to sorrow, in mere minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5
as in line
a series of persons or things arranged one behind another from the air, the mountain range stretched as far as we could see in both directions

Synonyms & Similar Words

6
as in stove
an appliance that prepares food for consumption by heating it the high-end appliances include a professional-quality gas range

Synonyms & Similar Words

7
as in habitat
the place where a plant or animal is usually or naturally found the American robin's winter range has steadily extended farther and farther north

Synonyms & Similar Words

range

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to roam
to move about from place to place aimlessly she let her dog off the leash and whistled for him every now and then to make sure he didn't range out of hearing

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to vary
to occur within a continuous range of variation the color of Florida grapefruit can range anywhere from pale pink to ruby red

Synonyms & Similar Words

4

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun range differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of range are compass, gamut, orbit, scope, and sweep. While all these words mean "the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control)," 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 might compass be a better fit than range?

Although the words compass and range have much in common, 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 range?

While the synonyms gamut and range are close in meaning, gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another.

a performance that ran the gamut of emotions

Where would orbit be a reasonable alternative to range?

The meanings of orbit and range largely overlap; however, 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 scope a more appropriate choice than range?

While in some cases nearly identical to range, scope is applicable to an area of activity, predetermined and limited, but somewhat flexible.

as time went on, the scope of the investigation widened

When is it sensible to use sweep instead of range?

The synonyms sweep and range are sometimes interchangeable, but sweep suggests extent, often circular or arc-shaped, of motion or activity.

the book covers the entire sweep of criminal activity

How does the noun range differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of range are compass, gamut, orbit, scope, and sweep. While all these words mean "the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control)," 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 might compass be a better fit than range?

Although the words compass and range have much in common, 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 range?

While the synonyms gamut and range are close in meaning, gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another.

a performance that ran the gamut of emotions

Where would orbit be a reasonable alternative to range?

The meanings of orbit and range largely overlap; however, 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 scope a more appropriate choice than range?

While in some cases nearly identical to range, scope is applicable to an area of activity, predetermined and limited, but somewhat flexible.

as time went on, the scope of the investigation widened

When is it sensible to use sweep instead of range?

The synonyms sweep and range are sometimes interchangeable, but sweep suggests extent, often circular or arc-shaped, of motion or activity.

the book covers the entire sweep of criminal activity

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 range
Noun
The spacious, recently refreshed staterooms range from compact cabins to luxurious suites with balconies and access to a private lounge. Aaron Saunders, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026 The range-topping variant is available in an exclusive finish dubbed Titan Silver, which resembles liquid metal thanks to a combination of fine aluminum flake and advanced pigment technology. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
Each product in the line is inspired by the Swedish candy brand Bubs, ranging from Watermelon to Berry Vanilla. Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 30 Apr. 2026 But the challenges are equally steep, ranging from deteriorated infrastructure to legal uncertainty and lingering concerns over contract stability after past nationalizations. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for range
Recent Examples of Synonyms for range
Noun
  • Different microclimates from mountain pastures to valley farms influence the milk’s characteristics.
    Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
  • Most people would also like to believe that the open pastures and contented animals in food marketing reflect some version of reality.
    Jesse Plunkett, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • The remaining land will be kept largely untouched in order to maintain its rural aesthetic and fit into the scope of the surrounding area, according to the developers.
    Sofi Zeman May 2, Kansas City Star, 2 May 2026
  • The song’s scope is jaw-dropping.
    Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • At the opposite end of the spectrum are roses that are highly susceptible — losing vigor, producing fewer blooms, developing buds that ball up, and in some cases defoliating entirely.
    Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
  • From sea to mountains, ingredients cover a spectrum of Okayama specialties, with creations inspired by the subtlest flavor shifts of Japan’s 72 micro-seasons (recent highlights ranged from arrowhead fish, Chinese cabbage, and foie gras to Okayama Nagi beef and turnip).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • But a long-distance runner’s stride is fundamentally different from the gait of someone going for a stroll.
    Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Our sidewalks are not the place for another obstruction to a pleasant stroll.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • During a seven-run third inning, Aidan Martinez had the big hit, a two-run double down the right-field line.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
  • Your husband has a long history of crossing the line and then retreating back just far enough that there’s an illusion of change.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • Induction Cooktops Instead of a traditional stove, an induction cooktop uses electromagnetic fields to heat induction cookware directly rather than heating the cooktop surface itself, making these appliances faster, safer, and more energy-efficient.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The slide-out kitchen toward the rear of the trailer includes a Cook Partner dual-burner stove and a sink with hot/cold water.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Marshes that were normally dry inundated, expanding habitat for small fish and crayfish, which spiked their populations.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Much of Culebra is now protected under the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, which preserves mangroves, dry forest, and charming coastal habitats used by seabirds and marine life.
    Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The initiative, funded by Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and other businesses, allowed gig companies to classify their workers as contractors rather than employees.
    Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Royal Commissioner Virginia Bell made 14 recommendations on Thursday in her first interim report, five of which were not made public because they were classified as confidential for national security reasons.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Range.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/range. Accessed 4 May. 2026.

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