Prowled vs. ranged

[Egle]

Synonym Search, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #110 "Synonyms for wander", question 4

The pirates ......... all over the Pacific in search of rich victims.

(a) prowled
(b) ranged
(c) went
(d) strode

Synonym Search, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #110 "Synonyms for wander", answer 4

The pirates ranged all over the Pacific in search of rich victims.

Correct answer: (b) ranged

Your answer was: incorrect
The pirates prowled all over the Pacific in search of rich victims.
_________________________

Why not prowled?

Egle

[Mister Micawber]

.
Admittedly possible, as pirates are predatory, but 'all over' the wide Pacific requires a verb of vast extent. And pirates were hardly stealthy.

Prowl: To rove furtively or with predatory intent
Range: To wander freely; roam
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber