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sweep 1 of 2

Definition of sweepnext
1
2
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

sweep

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noun

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
Uncertainty is sweeping Minnesota’s largest city as the fraud allegations prompt shakeups in local leadership, and a new, ambiguous immigration enforcement effort intimidating Somali residents has emerged. Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026 When the final horn blew, the Kings had posted a 4-2 win to sweep a two-game series and hand Minnesota its first loss in regulation since before Christmas. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
If Kyle Shanahan’s team polishes off a season sweep, that’d be a major boost to their division title odds — though the Seahawks will be in the mix, too. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2025 With a 21-14 deficit at the half, Marshfield (6-3) got a three-and-out defensively and marched down the field on nine plays capped by a 20-yard touchdown run off a jet sweep for Cole Summers to knot the score 21-21. Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sweep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweep
Verb
  • The tasteful updates that complement the open, flowing floor plan with tis ample natural light.
    Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
  • The common spaces flow into the pad’s three ensuite bedrooms.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The 25-year-old’s redemption arc continued to curve at Newcastle United on Wednesday night.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • At first glance, the choker reprises the incisions and delicately curving edges meant to evoke Chanel’s distinctive quilting, with a sliding clasp closure to adjust it closely to the neck.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 4 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Top Republicans who attended the classified briefing rallied to the president’s defense while Democrats questioned the scope of the operation and pushed to halt further military action.
    Garrett Downs, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Homegrown Indian brands, such as Bombay Perfumery and Forest Essentials, are in the scopes of beauty experts.
    Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • News consumers drift toward outlets that favor their politics, giving them a partial view of possible wrongdoing.
    Brandon Rottinghaus, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026
  • When next year came, Rice was in the NBA, and gradually the players drifted separate ways.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Using the spectroscope, Maunder detected a hydrogen flare arcing out from the sunspot.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • In the Wild Eyed Rose, the voluptuous tartness of the grenadine gets to arc across the whole palate, supported by the warm light malt of the Irish whiskey and given a malic kiss at the end by the lime juice.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Snow rests lightly on branches and the occasional rain glides off dormant stems.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Afternoons here are deliciously drowsy, spent dozing in the shade, gently parting calm sea water, or gliding past craggy rock formations in a little motor-boat.
    Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The extent of the injuries has not been released.
    Chelsea Jones, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • This is to some extent a consequence of how quickly the government had to act in the face of that emergency, a catch-22 between ensuring that the money would be going to actually help people who needed it and having to get billions out the door at lightning-speed.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Turn it back upright, using the bristles to brush away the remaining snow.
    Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Restore Sweatpants These classic grey sweatpants will surely become the cornerstone of your winter travel wardrobe with their thick, brushed terry fabric and four-way stretch design.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sweep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sweep. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on sweep

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