scope

noun

ˈskōp How to pronounce scope (audio)
Definition of scopenext
as in extent
an area over which activity, capacity, or influence extends the company's scope of operations now spans two continents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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 scope The Discord messages, which Robinson’s roommate showed investigators, also refer to engraving bullets and mention a scope and rifle being unique, officials said. —Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025 The numbers behind the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) are staggering, and yet somehow don’t capture the scope of what might be the country’s most ambitious undertaking since the Pyramids of Giza. —Chris Schalkx, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025 Cantino’s scope on communications and events extended to retail touch points. —Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2025 While GreenBuildz is a homeowner-contractor matching service operating solely in California, BidCompareAI is national in scope with no humans in the loop. —Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scope
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scope
  1. extent
  2. realm
  3. range
  4. width
Noun
  • Almost every modern lens relies on digital corrections to some extent; the 20-200mm just leans on them more heavily than shorter zooms or prime optics.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2025
  • What follows are the observations of a trio of housing industry veterans, each with different takes on the extent of -- and possible ways to chip away at – the vexing problem.
    — Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of extent
Noun
  • The centuries-old religion blends both Protestant and Catholic beliefs and is often seen as one of the more inclusive denominations in the realm of Christianity.
    — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Roseman, whose first full-time NFL job was in the financial realm as counsel to the Eagles’ salary-cap staff, has compared Philadelphia’s tactics to financing a home when interest rates are low.
    — Mike Sando, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of realm
Noun
  • For decades, OPOs have been bulky systems with narrow ranges.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Even in areas accustomed to heavier snowfalls, accumulations in this range can result in delays, collisions and road closures if not treated promptly.
    — Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of range
Noun
  • The expansion and contraction of credit directly controls the width of the triangle.
    — Vipin Bharathan, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • There has been an absence of pace and width.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of width

Browse Nearby Words

scop
scope
scopes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scope. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on scope

Nglish: Translation of scope for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Gray' vs. 'Grey': What is the difference?

A Guide to Using Semicolons
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 3

Color Words to Describe Autumn Leaves

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Birds Say the Darndest Things

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 3

Color Words to Describe Autumn Leaves
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
high school student holding a pencil leaning over a sat test
Challenging Standardized Test Words 20 questions to help you score 1600
See All