SWEEP Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'sweep' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sweep are compass , gamut , orbit , range , and scope . While all these words mean "the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control)," sweep suggests extent, often circular or arc-shaped, of motion or activity. // the book covers the entire sweep of criminal activity

Q: When is 'compass' a more appropriate choice than 'sweep'?

In some situations, the words compass and sweep are roughly equivalent. However, compass implies a sometimes limited extent of perception, knowledge, or activity. // your concerns lie beyond the narrow compass of this study

Q: When could 'gamut' be used to replace 'sweep'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sweep , gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another. // a performance that ran the gamut of emotions

Q: In what contexts can 'orbit' take the place of 'sweep'?

While the synonyms orbit and sweep are close in meaning, 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

Q: When might 'range' be a better fit than 'sweep'?

The words range and sweep can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Q: When can 'scope' be used instead of 'sweep'?

The words scope and sweep are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, scope is applicable to an area of activity, predetermined and limited, but somewhat flexible. // as time went on, the scope of the investigation widened

sweep 1 of 2

verb

ˈswēp

Definition of sweep next

as in to flow

to move or proceed smoothly and readily the wind swept across the plain without respite

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to curve

to turn away from a straight line or course from this point the mountain range sweeps to the northeast and extends into the next state

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

straighten

sweep

2 of 2

noun

as in scope

an area over which activity, capacity, or influence extends Mrs. Griswold has been a teacher for so long that the sweep of her influence extends across three generations of the townspeople

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sweep differ from other similar words?

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

the book covers the entire sweep of criminal activity

When is compass a more appropriate choice than sweep?

In some situations, the words compass and sweep are roughly equivalent. However, 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 sweep?

While in some cases nearly identical to sweep, gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another.

a performance that ran the gamut of emotions

In what contexts can orbit take the place of sweep?

While the synonyms orbit and sweep are close in meaning, 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 sweep?

The words range and sweep can be used in similar contexts, but 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 can scope be used instead of sweep?

The words scope and sweep are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, scope is applicable to an area of activity, predetermined and limited, but somewhat flexible.

as time went on, the scope of the investigation widened

Examples 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 sweep

Verb

On December 5, the Commission ordered TikTok to freeze data linked to the Romanian election under the bloc’s sweeping Digital Services Act, which regulates how the world’s biggest social media companies operate in Europe. —

Reuters, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024 The paper-thin patties and pillowy buns have swept the nation and are now being infused with Korean, Filipino, Indian, and Italian flavors, among many others. —

Emily Wilson, Bon Appétit, 16 Dec. 2024

Noun

What’s ahead: The election’s red sweep means the GOP will control the executive and legislative branches of government. —

Nerdwallet, The Mercury News, 13 Dec. 2024 History has shown that an early awards-season sweep doesn’t guarantee Oscar glory. —

Clayton Davis, Variety, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sweep

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweep

Verb

One big danger was the Nolichucky River, which flows from Western North Carolina, beginning where the North Toe and Cane Rivers meet.

USA TODAY Graphics team, USA TODAY, 31 Dec. 2024
With slow pumping, water and smaller particles flowed out of the filter.

Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 31 Dec. 2024