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

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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 But Digital Realty wants to add a second floor to accommodate additional square footage that would double the scope of the data center. —Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2025 There is a better chance that T-Mobile will keep the latest promise, since it is limited in scope and lasts only five years, while the lifetime price lock was supposed to last for as long as customers chose to keep their plans. —Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 22 Apr. 2025 Google argues that its AI products are outside the scope of the case, which focused on search engines. —Jody Godoy, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025 Every selling point of Part II — its excellent performances, arresting vistas, unparalleled sound design, emphasis on story — exist outside the scope of player actions. —Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scope
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scope
  1. extent
  2. realm
  3. range
  4. width
Noun
  • There, McVeigh was booked and saw on TV the extent of the devastation.
    — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The protests signal the extent of public alarm over some of Trump's executive actions and cuts to federal government.
    — Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of extent
Noun
  • Yet in our increasingly digital world, the tangible nature of oracle and tarot decks offers a rare form of material connection—something to hold, shuffle, and physically engage with outside the digital realm.
    — Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Aimee used the medium of transmitting sound to establish a new realm of spirituality.
    — Claire Hoffman, Rolling Stone, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of realm
Noun
  • Now Trump is once again withdrawing the U.S. After Francis' 2015 encyclical, researchers examined a broad range of views, well beyond the President.
    — Jeff Brady, NPR, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Many researchers attribute the rise in diagnoses to more widespread screening and the inclusion of a broader range of behaviors to describe the condition.
    — Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of range
Noun
  • Most are between two and three inches tall and between 6 and 9 inches in width.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2025
  • These lots average 70 feet in width, perfect for spacious three-car garages and various layout options.
    — Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of width

Browse Nearby Words

scop
scope
scopes
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Cite this Entry

“Scope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scope. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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