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

In diagnosing what happened in North Carolina last week, Budd blamed the extent of their losses on national Republicans’ decision to pull funding for Michael Whatley, their Senate nominee, late in the cycle. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 11 Nov. 2026

Those promises include affordability, with the cost-of-living escalating and, to the extent there was an abuse of power, dealing with it. — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026

This happens because cities to a large extent are bound by their comprehensive plans, which govern how land can be used. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2026

This is to be expected, to an extent; the Duo just isn’t a phone for everyone. — Allison Johnson, The Verge, 11 Nov. 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