as in to measure
to find out the size, extent, or amount of
tried to span the distance between the two trees by eye alone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
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 span
Kelsey Lentz, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
The redevelopment project — the largest in the city’s history — spanned seven miles, between Collins Street and just past Texas 360.
—Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026
Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 16 June 2026
Additionally, Chourio jumped multiple levels in a short span.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for span
Verb
His trial, which was not televised, spanned two days.
—Kelsey Lentz, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
The redevelopment project — the largest in the city’s history — spanned seven miles, between Collins Street and just past Texas 360.
—Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026
Noun
Pat Mead served as Towson head coach from 1998 to 2015, while Maureen Mead was the program’s diving coach over the same span.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 16 June 2026
Additionally, Chourio jumped multiple levels in a short span.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for span
Recent Examples of Synonyms for span
Verb
-
These startups are working with a range of different non-invasive sensor modalities, including those that measure electrical pulses (EEG), those that measure magnetic fields (MEG), and those that use light to measure changes in blood flow (fNIRS).—
Rob Toews,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2026
-
Schwarber’s first home run traveled 456 feet, while his second blast of the third inning measured 457 feet off Mets reliever Cionel Pérez.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
21 June 2026
Noun
-
Barrel jeans continue to dominate the denim conversation, and this floral pair is a fun twist on the trend.—
Mia McManus,
PEOPLE,
22 June 2026
-
Larys convinced Aegon to ride out the Dance of the Dragons in Essos, but the pair doesn’t make it as far as Duskendale before they’re intercepted by Rhaenyra’s soldiers.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
When so many players are donning pink, arguably the most visible cleats at this year’s tournament are those splashed with any other color.—
Jack Bantock,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
-
Suarez also discussed the experience of joining one of baseball’s most storied organizations after departing Philadelphia, then watching as both teams failed to meet expectations to start the year.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2026
Verb
-
In addition to gauging the health of the AI trade, investors are watching developments in the Middle East closely and also are looking ahead to inflation data later this week, which could determine the direction of interest rates.—
Liz Napolitano,
CNBC,
23 June 2026
-
Finally, the excellent sports scientist and personal trainer Joris Dalmasso puts my mobility through its paces, using video and sensors to gauge my strength, movement and balance.—
Susan D'Arcy,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
For the couple, Fan Fest provided the perfect competitive backdrop.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
-
Also on Monday, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani seemed to confirm that at least part of the couple’s wedding festivities will take place in New York over Fourth of July weekend.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
Another interesting player in this space is xLight.—
Rob Toews,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2026
-
The key to welcoming gray into your space in 2026 is to opt for warm, layered tones that add depth and dimension.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
21 June 2026
Verb
-
Shedletsky, as president of Invisible Narratives, will lead business operations and M&A strategy, identifying creator and IP partners, YouTube channels, brands and games with the potential to scale into global franchises.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
17 June 2026
-
Once composed of 50,000 personnel, KFOR has been routinely scaled back over the years as tensions eased, although 1,000 additional troops were deployed in 2023 after fresh violence erupted.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
In most cases, especially in North America, the industry steered away from the yoke.—
Robert Duffer,
AJC.com,
19 June 2026
-
The four-pocket style is unlined, except for the yoke, which gives its shoulders some structure but allows the rest of the light construction to drape easily.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Span.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/span. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
