extent

noun

ex·​tent ik-ˈstent How to pronounce extent (audio)
Synonyms of extentnext
1
a
: the range over which something extends : scope
the extent of her jurisdiction
b
: the amount of space or surface that something occupies or the distance over which it extends : magnitude
the extent of the forest
c
: the point, degree, or limit to which something extends
using talents to the greatest extent
2
a
: seizure (as of land) in execution of a writ of extent in Great Britain
also : the condition of being so seized
b
: a writ giving to a creditor temporary possession of his debtor's property
3
archaic : valuation (as of land) in Great Britain especially for taxation

Synonyms

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Examples of extent in a Sentence

She tried to determine the extent of the damage. the full extent of human knowledge He questions the extent to which these remedies are needed.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
New York, Illinois, and California each enacted one or some of these measures last year; there’s been movement in a similar direction, albeit to differing extents, in Connecticut, Maryland, Kansas, Hawaii, Washington State, and Oregon. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 6 June 2025 That would be an 18% decline from the same period last year, equating to by far the weakest quarterly deliveries growth since at least 2015, the extent of quarterly delivery data available on Tesla’s investor relations website. — Derek Saul, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 The specific extent and locations depend on unpredictable currents and wind patterns, with annual peaks historically occurring in midsummer. — Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025 The two disagreed about business matters, including the extent to which, and under which circumstances, Nicklaus could license his IP to golf tournaments and other projects. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for extent

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French estente, extente land valuation, from extendre, estendre to survey, evaluate, literally, to extend

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of extent was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing extent

Rhymes for extent

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Browse Nearby Words

extensor thrust
extent
extenuate
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Cite this Entry

“Extent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extent. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

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Kids Definition

extent

noun
ex·​tent ik-ˈstent How to pronounce extent (audio)
1
: the range, distance, or space over or through which something extends
the extent of the Roman empire
2
: the point, degree, or limit to which something extends
the extent of her knowledge

More from Merriam-Webster on extent

Nglish: Translation of extent for Spanish Speakers

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