range 1 of 2

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as in pasture
open land over which livestock may roam and feed knew exactly how many head of cattle were turned out on the range that morning to graze

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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as in spectrum
the distance or extent between possible extremes an actor who can go through the full range of emotion, from joy to sorrow, in mere minutes

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as in line
a series of persons or things arranged one behind another from the air, the mountain range stretched as far as we could see in both directions

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as in stove
an appliance that prepares food for consumption by heating it the high-end appliances include a professional-quality gas range

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as in habitat
the place where a plant or animal is usually or naturally found the American robin's winter range has steadily extended farther and farther north

Synonyms & Similar Words

range

2 of 2

verb

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as in to vary
to occur within a continuous range of variation the color of Florida grapefruit can range anywhere from pale pink to ruby red

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun range differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of range are compass, gamut, orbit, scope, and sweep. While all these words mean "the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control)," 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

When might compass be a better fit than range?

Although the words compass and range have much in common, 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 range?

While the synonyms gamut and range are close in meaning, gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another.

a performance that ran the gamut of emotions

Where would orbit be a reasonable alternative to range?

The meanings of orbit and range largely overlap; however, 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 scope a more appropriate choice than range?

While in some cases nearly identical to range, 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 it sensible to use sweep instead of range?

The synonyms sweep and range are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 range
Noun
In 2024, California was ranked the second-best state for hiking in United States by GB The Green Brand for its stunning coastlines, dense forests and rugged mountain ranges. Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025 However, limited electric range, higher outright costs, and the need for regular charging are caveats. Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
Tropical storm wind gusts range from 39 to 73 mph, which is what the area will experience Sunday. Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 13 July 2025 The sizes range from small bedrooms with marble finishes to a suite overlooking the pool, filled with handmade tapestries, a freestanding marble bath, and a separate living area with a velvet sofa. Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for range
Recent Examples of Synonyms for range
Noun
  • Photo : Jeremy Swanson Photography Last Chance Ranch features three pastures.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 14 July 2025
  • The pigs are raised in open pastures and in woodland environments.
    Arianna Albano, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Water tank project removed A plan for a replacement water storage tank in La Jolla that has changed in scope several times over the past decade has changed again — so much so that it was removed from the city budget as a capital project.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025
  • In other words, the show approaches its concept with the scope of an epic novel (which makes sense, as it's based on a beloved series of novels).
    Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • How the Autism Theater Project was born The theater program showcases lives on and off the spectrum in an authentic way, helping crew members and actors work on productions.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2025
  • At the opposite end of the spectrum is Utah, which had the lowest cancer rate nationwide, with just 358 cases per 100,000 residents—a figure 45 percent lower than Maine's.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • In the meantime, the operator said it’s making progress on its remediation plan, including analysis of other areas and additional in-line inspections.
    Joe Sutton, CNN, 10 Feb. 2023
  • The goal of this relationship is to save you time, trouble, and money down the line.
    Brady Slack, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2023
Noun
  • Appliances, including dishwashers, washing machines, stoves and refrigerators, have already been getting more expensive, with prices rising by 0.8% in both April and May, the highest monthly increase in nearly four years, according to Consumer Price Index data.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
  • Some projects, like installing a wood stove, may increase liability or risk.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Located in one of the most biologically diverse regions of the continental United States, the San Elijo Lagoon Reserve provides critical habitat for a wide range of wildlife.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
  • Others urge for the conservation of the bears’ habitat, and there was even a sanctuary, Libearty Bear Sanctuary, created for them in Zarnesti, according to the outlet.
    Sam Gillette, People.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • More than half of the cases — 417 — were classified as immigration violations.
    Norma Galeana, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
  • Cashews are classified as tree nuts, one of the nine major food allergens.
    Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Such broad, open spaces were essential to the origins of the giant sloths, and so creating wide-open spaces helps spur the evolution of giants to roam such environments.
    Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 July 2025
  • Norway is home to an embarrassment of perspective-altering landscapes—craggy mountains, beautiful fjords, and dramatic coastlines—making roaming outdoors all the more rewarding.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 10 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Range.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/range. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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