1
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
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
There will be further tests and discussions to determine the extent of his injury, with news to arrive in the coming days.
—
Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
Throughout her historic reign, the late Queen Elizabeth appeared in an array of majestic tiaras, yet the full extent of her personal collection remains a mystery.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025
Lil Rod was unable to share the extent of his claims, whether from fear or anxiety, or possibly something else.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2025
Commissioner Kevin Sabellico argued that the county needed to take advantage of the full extent of the new state law.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extent
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Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
Throughout her historic reign, the late Queen Elizabeth appeared in an array of majestic tiaras, yet the full extent of her personal collection remains a mystery.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025
Lil Rod was unable to share the extent of his claims, whether from fear or anxiety, or possibly something else.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2025
Commissioner Kevin Sabellico argued that the county needed to take advantage of the full extent of the new state law.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extent
Cite this Entry
“Extent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extent. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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