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 What’s culturally touched on here will be recognizable to Taiwanese audiences, how the forward motion of daily lives is tamped down by expectations that are ancient in scope. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 May 2025 The trailer then becomes more menacing, and Egerton's character looks down the scope of a crossbow. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 14 May 2025 Analysts say there is much scope to remove brands and cut headcount. —Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025 After Trump's whiplash on tariffs in recent months, the full scope of the economic impact on Canada is not yet clear. —Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 4 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for scope
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scope
  1. extent
  2. realm
  3. range
  4. width
Noun
  • To a lesser extent, McDavid was part of Leon Draisaitl’s Rocket-winning act this season.
    — Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 26 May 2025
  • President Trump issued an April 25 executive order requiring his administration to identify and (to the extent legally possible) eliminate anticompetitive federal regulations (in effect, ACMDs).
    — Alden Abbott, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of extent
Noun
  • Until recently, China's entries in the realm of spaceflight patches often lacked the originality found in patches from the West.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 17 May 2025
  • Still, the show’s tone offers audiences something atypical in the realm of sci-fi action.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 16 May 2025
Definition of realm
Noun
  • Specifically, researchers discovered a link between a heart failure diagnosis and having problems with a broad range of mental processes, such as memory, paying attention, and planning.
    — Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 16 May 2025
  • Today, these models are constantly changing, from text-centric tools to multimodal solutions that can work with a much wider range of file data, including images, videos, sound and more.
    — Nick Burling, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Definition of range
Noun
  • Our testers looked at the thickness and width of the band, padding, underwiring, and how well the bra was able to stay up throughout the day without slipping.
    — Michelle Rostamian, People.com, 22 May 2025
  • But the width of those bands also makes a difference in eliminating interference and increasing speeds.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 22 May 2025
Definition of width

Browse Nearby Words

scop
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Cite this Entry

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

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