extent

noun

ex·​tent ik-ˈstent How to pronounce extent (audio)
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

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 American officials have been keen to show the extent to which Israel’s attack was restrained and precise, especially as the US pushed Israel not to attack Iran’s energy infrastructure, for fear of igniting a broader conflict, a request Israel seems to have heeded, according to preliminary reports. Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024 The Venom movies are by far the most commercially, and, to a lesser extent, critically successful of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe films. James Grebey, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024 Winemakers are also growing it in Washington State, Oregon, New York, Virginia, and to a lesser extent in Michigan and Indiana. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2024 But what Russia, sanctions-battered Iran, and, to a lesser extent, China would like to see is rapid movement toward alternative payment systems and banking networks that are completely sanctions-proof. Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for extent 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'extent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near extent

Cite this Entry

“Extent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extent. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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

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