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

His films, to an extent, reflected that transatlantic residency in their freshness of perspective. —Kevin Crust, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026

Those 26 wins were the extent of his success, a great rookie season to be sure, but not exactly a guarantee that Tang was John Wooden in waiting. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026

Additionally, hyperscalers, including Amazon , Microsoft , Meta , and Alphabet , announced capital expenditure of up to $700 billion on AI this year, which has raised concerns over returns and whether the extent of AI spend is justified. —Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026

But what the script sweeps under, Laurence Olivier’s performance brings back out to some extent. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 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