as in spectrum
the distance or extent between possible extremes the actress's work runs the gamut from goofy comedies to serious historical dramas

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun gamut differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of gamut are compass, orbit, range, scope, and sweep. While all these words mean "the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control)," gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another.

a performance that ran the gamut of emotions

When is it sensible to use compass instead of gamut?

The words compass and gamut 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

In what contexts can orbit take the place of gamut?

Although the words orbit and gamut have much in common, 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 might range be a better fit than gamut?

While in some cases nearly identical to gamut, 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 scope be a reasonable alternative to gamut?

While the synonyms scope and gamut are close in meaning, 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 sweep a more appropriate choice than gamut?

The meanings of sweep and gamut largely overlap; 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 gamut Moving from brightness to color gamut performance, the monitor spanned 99.6% of the sRGB color gamut, 84.1% of Adobe RGB, and 91% of DCI-P3 (see the chart above) in our tests. PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025 Yet the clear and growing danger is that perceived American hypocrisy regarding Ukraine and Gaza is now bleeding into discussions across the gamut of U.S. foreign policy, particularly over the future of self-ruling Taiwan. Charlie Campbell, Time, 2 May 2025 Our color gamut test proved more positive, as the P3425WE managed to display 110.4% of the sRGB color space (shown in the chart above), 78.4% of Adobe RGB, and 81.4% of DCI-P3 (shown in the chart below). PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025 However, its color coverage is ho-hum, with only 63% coverage of the sRGB gamut, in line with the Toughbook's screen. PC Magazine, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gamut
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gamut
Noun
  • At the opposite spectrum of the sombre tone and palette of Ritual of the Ancestors and Rites of Passage are a pair of sensual canvases titled Adoration of the Earth which depict a naked woman languishing in a field of dancing sunflowers.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Despite the White House’s claims that the bill would be deficit neutral, budget experts across the ideological spectrum project the bill to add even more to the $36 trillion national debt.
    Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Delta also gives us a ballpark range that an option has of expiring in the money, giving it value.
    Michael Martin, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Speaking after days of Russia bombarding the Ukrainian capital and other regions with massive aerial attacks, the German chancellor said Monday that his country and other allies had lifted range restrictions.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gamut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gamut. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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