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extent

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

Definition of extent

1a : 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
2a : 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
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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web Models based on the MQB platform of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Škoda, Seat, and, to a limited extent, Audi are affected. — Colin Beresford, Car and Driver, "A Microchip Might Be Why the New Car You Want Is Hard to Locate," 16 Jan. 2021 In fact, Trump ended up clearing house at CISA to a large extent in response, including you unfortunately. — Brian Barrett, Wired, "Ex-CISA Head Chris Krebs: ‘Impeachment Is the Right Mechanism’," 15 Jan. 2021 According to preliminary information provided by a senior law enforcement official, there were three water bottles filled to a certain extent containing liquid not believed to be water. — Brynn Gingras And Pervaiz Shallwani, CNN, "Queens man in custody after stabbing and possible poisoning leaves 1 dead, 3 critical," 14 Jan. 2021 Every game matters, to a certain extent, but Wednesday’s 6 p.m. game in Athens determines whether Auburn gets its first SEC win or ends up with an 0-5 start to conference play. — Giana Han, al, "Auburn and Georgia to battle for first SEC win," 12 Jan. 2021 That enables him to escape the biases that limit the reliability of both conventional polls and, to a lesser extent, betting odds. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, "Georgia runoffs: A data scientist, using a blend of poll and betting numbers, sees odds favoring the Dems," 5 Jan. 2021 Investors remain divided over the extent to which Beijing will go after Alibaba and its compatriots as Beijing prepares to roll out the new anti-monopoly regulations. — Coco Liu, Bloomberg.com, "Alibaba Antitrust Fears Drive $200 Billion Chinese Tech Selloff," 28 Dec. 2020 Investors remain divided over the extent to which Beijing will go after Alibaba and its compatriots as Beijing prepares to roll out the new anti-monopoly regulations. — Time, "China’s Crackdown on Alibaba and Ant Drive $200 Billion Tech Selloff," 28 Dec. 2020 To a little lesser extent, the last regular season game against Kansas State showcased the shape of things to come with freshman Bijan Robinson rushing for 172 yards and three touchdowns on just nine carries. — Chuck Carlton, Dallas News, "The Alamo Bowl is shaping up to be a dress rehearsal for the Texas Longhorns entering a crucial 2021," 28 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'extent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of extent

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

History and Etymology for extent

Middle English, from Anglo-French estente, extente land valuation, from extendre, estendre to survey, evaluate, literally, to extend

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Time Traveler for extent

Time Traveler

The first known use of extent was in the 14th century

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Statistics for extent

Last Updated

23 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Extent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extent. Accessed 27 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for extent

extent

noun
How to pronounce extent (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of extent

: the range, distance, or space that is covered or affected by something or included in something
: the point or limit to which something extends or reaches

See the full definition for extent in the English Language Learners Dictionary

extent

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

Kids Definition of extent

1 : the distance or range that is covered or affected by something
2 : the point, degree, or limit to which something reaches or extends the extent of our property

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More from Merriam-Webster on extent

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for extent

Nglish: Translation of extent for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of extent for Arabic Speakers

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