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 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
The magnitude of the attack and the extent of its damage was not immediately known.
—
Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
Rossi’s rustiness was evident in the group stage, to the extent that he was substituted at half-time in the 1-1 draw with Peru.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Probably not to the same extent.
—Gabe Smallson, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Although further studies – such as carbon dating – are needed to determine its exact age, the team estimated the crater’s formation period by analyzing its geological structure and the extent of erosion.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extent
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Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
Rossi’s rustiness was evident in the group stage, to the extent that he was substituted at half-time in the 1-1 draw with Peru.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Probably not to the same extent.
—Gabe Smallson, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Although further studies – such as carbon dating – are needed to determine its exact age, the team estimated the crater’s formation period by analyzing its geological structure and the extent of erosion.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 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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