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 Trump administration cancels dozens of international student visas Officials from UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Irvine and Stanford have struggled to assess the full scope of the cancellations. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2025 Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to look at the esophagus using a flexible scope with a camera and tools, which is inserted through the mouth Treatment & Management Options Lifestyle Changes Making some changes in daily living can help avoid symptoms in some cases. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025 The project is published in a series of eight stories, with videos of interviews and crashes, as well as infographics showing the scope of police pursuits in the metro. —Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2025 One sequence, in particular, rivals any Game of Thrones battle in its epic scope, its graphic brutality and its surely astronomical VFX budget. —Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scope
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scope
  1. extent
  2. realm
  3. range
  4. width
Noun
  • Furthermore, the market had likely already factored in the potential positive outcome of the SEC case to some extent during the earlier sharp rally in XRP.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • To some extent, investors are simply anticipating the negative impact that slower growth, or an outright slump, will have on corporate profits.
    — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of extent
Noun
  • Then, to my astonishment, two slender blue-white streaks appeared, faintly at first, then slightly brighter, like a pair of angel wings peeking through some wondrous celestial realm.
    — Blane Bachelor, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Higher education is a realm in which the United States still sets the global standard.
    — Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of realm
Noun
  • The Liquid Luster Lip collection has a range of colors from nudes to a rich brown named Feeling Phobe.
    — Celeste Polanco, Essence, 28 Mar. 2025
  • In its first two tournament victories, Alabama took 33 percent of its 114 shots (34) from 3-point range.
    — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of range
Noun
  • Maps published by Israeli media showed the corridor running the width of the narrow coastal strip from east to west.
    — Natalie Melzer, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Instead, when cradled in mouse mode, a Joy-Con stands awkwardly on an edge that's roughly the width of an adult finger.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of width

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Scope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scope. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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