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 a creditor temporary possession of his debtor's property

3

archaic : valuation (as of land) in Great Britain especially for taxation

Synonyms

• bound
• boundary
• cap
• ceiling
• confines
• end
• limit
• limitation
• line
• termination

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

To some extent, that’s a justifiable reaction by defenses to Young’s prowess and the Hawks’ still-iffy perimeter shooting around him. —John Hollinger, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025

From popular brands like Burger King, McDonald's, Starbucks, and Whole Foods to everyday kitchen staples such as rice and salt, a new study highlights the alarming extent of plastic contamination in foods. —George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024

The Treasury brought in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency immediately after being notified of the attack, with the remaining agencies, the FBI, intelligence community and third-party forensic investigators, contacted upon realization of the extent of the attack itself. —Davey Winder, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

To some extent, that happens to one or more cable news outlet after every election, but into mid-December there hasn’t been much sign of a recovery for CNN and MSNBC. —Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Dec. 2024

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

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