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

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

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 sweep

Verb

Bryan West Moments after Swift and Kelce exchanged vows, rain and flashes of lightning swept across Manhattan outside Madison Square Garden. — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026 Serena Williams wins her fourth Wimbledon title and 13th Grand Slam championship by sweeping Vera Zvonareva in straight sets in the women’s final. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Noun

Pinch-runner Jarred Kelenic scored the tiebreaking run by racing home from second base on a wild pitch in the ninth inning, and the Texas Rangers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 on Sunday to complete a four-game sweep. — CBS News, 28 June 2026 The Yankees’ defense let down Cam Schlittler during Thursday night’s series-opening loss, while Fernando Cruz failed to protect a two-run lead in the 10th inning of Sunday’s sweep-clinching defeat. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sweep

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweep

Verb

Rainfall — as little as a tenth of an inch, according to the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, or ALCOSAN — can cause an overflow of stormwater and raw sewage to flow into the rivers.

— Finch Walker, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Through the morning, a river of mourners dressed in black flowed from the Grand Mosalla.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

Definition of flow

Verb

His update on the C-cut began just below the chin, with extra lift at the roots and inward-curving lengths that narrowed toward the ends to create the illusion of a heart.

— Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 July 2026
In the final minute of stoppage time to end the first half, Morocco's Achraf Hakimi curved his free kick right in front of the goal, seemingly just one perfect touch away from a goal.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026

Definition of curve

Noun

The movement lacks central leadership and messaging, but its scope has expanded beyond the environmental complaints that sparked it.

— Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
The agency has not indicated when that review will conclude, and the final scope of any patent could change during the examination process.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026

Definition of scope

Verb

Yamal was a thorn in Saudi Arabia’s side, drifting infield to unleash shots from distance but also peppering the penalty area with wicked deliveries from the right flank.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 2 July 2026
When those models drift or their assumptions fail, errors can scale rapidly.

— Akhilesh Sharma, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of drift

Verb

In fact, the iconic band of hazy light known as the galactic center should routinely be visible for a few more months across the United States – and the rest of the northern hemisphere – arcing across the night sky.

— Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 July 2026
The glowing ribbon of the Milky Way tumbles directly through this cosmic triangle before arcing towards the southern horizon, though its diffuse light will be hidden behind a veil of moonlight on the night of the full moon.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of arc

Noun

Oliver may have lived her own world to some extent, but that world was still the real one.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 3 July 2026
In bumping off Ecuador 2-0 Tuesday night in the friendly confines of Estadio Azteca, Mexico has set up Telemundo (and to a lesser extent, Fox) for a post-holiday blockbuster against England.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of extent

Verb

Clear sunscreen sticks glide across the skin without leaving the chalky white cast that mineral formulas can create, and their solid texture means less dripping or rubbing than a lotion.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 2, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
The kit allows the bomb to glide 60 to 80 kilometers following the release from aircraft such as the Su-34, Su-35, and Su-30.

— Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of glide

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sweaty

sweep

sweep (away)

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Style

“Sweep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sweep. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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noun

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Synonyms of sweep

verb

noun

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Phrases Containing sweep

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