gamut

noun

ˈga-mət How to pronounce gamut (audio)
Definition of gamutnext
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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Synonym Chooser

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 The panel also displays 100% of the sRGB gamut and has the second-broadest Adobe RGB coverage in this test group. — John Loeffler, PC Magazine, 20 July 2026 For one thing, he’s gone through the gamut of career transactions, from being non-tendered by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2022 to signing a multi-year contract with the New York Yankees this winter. — Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 15 July 2026 Another Adams County favorite for farm-to-table cuisine, Sign of the Buck in the 1804 Union Hotel serves dishes that run the gamut from braised venison to a pork belly banh mi sandwich to a crab cake eggs Benedict at brunch. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026 And the four Republican incumbents being challenged here run the gamut—from ultra-conservative to moderate to millennial freshmen. — Julia Terruso, Time, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for gamut
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gamut
  1. spectrum
  2. range
Noun
  • By combining observations of IRS 3's spectrum with simulations of how its light travels through different models of the surrounding material, researchers reconstructed the structure of the star's envelope.
    — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026
  • They were joined by Republicans, who showed the strongest monthly decline in sentiment across the political spectrum, according to the Michigan survey.
    — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of spectrum
Noun
  • Compared to Chalamet, another leading man with great range but more naked ambition than Pattinson, the British star’s self-effacing personality comes across as more endearing, Weekman believes.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Understanding how cardiac neurons function could lead to new therapies for a range of cardiovascular conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and myocardial infarctions.
    — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of range

Browse Nearby Words

gammons
gamut
gamuts
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Cite this Entry

“Gamut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gamut. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on gamut

Nglish: Translation of gamut for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gamut

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