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 the creditor temporary possession of the debtor's property
3
archaic : valuation (as of land) in Great Britain especially for taxation

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.
Bioavailability is the extent to which a contaminant is absorbed by organisms following exposure through inhalation, dermal contact, or ingestion. Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026 The inquiry, which was publicly released Thursday, drew no conclusions about the full extent of the Russini-Vrabel relationship, which has been the subject of speculation after a media firestorm this spring. Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Clashes stopped in the early afternoon, but there was no official information on casualties or the extent of the fighting. ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 Apple has gone through periods of inverse correlation to the Nasdaq throughout moments the past decade, but never to this extent for this long. Oliver Renick, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extent. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

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
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