extent

noun

ex·​tent ik-ˈstent 

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

Synonyms of extent

• limit
• limitation
• confines
• boundary

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

The 4-3-3 unbalanced Chelsea far more frequently, to the extent Enzo Fernandez had to ask Sanchez to go down and await treatment, in order for the team to get a pep talk from Calum McFarlane. —Beren Cross, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

Due to the extent of the fire and the need for water, the fire department called a mutual aid box alarm to send in help from other Illinois and Wisconsin fire departments. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026

Kirby Smart has built a Georgia football program that reloads like few others, to the extent that having eight players selected in the NFL draft seems like an off year. —Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 26 Apr. 2026

Bayer, the German pharmaceutical and biotech giant that acquired Monsanto in 2018, hopes that both the Supreme Court and the pending settlement will limit the extent of future lawsuits. —Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing extent

• to a certain extent
• to a greater/lesser degree/extent
• to a greater or lesser degree/extent
• to a great extent
• to such an extent
• to the fullest extent of
• to what extent
• writ of extent

Rhymes for extent

• accent
• advent
• ascent
• assent
• augment
• cement
• consent
• dement
• descent
• detent
• dissent
• event

Kids Definition

extent

noun

ex·​tent ik-ˈstent 

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