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

Given the controversy around walking blood banks and the extent of the shortage, global health experts have explored other strategies to further expand access to blood. —Simar Bajaj, NPR, 11 Apr. 2024

Entrepreneur Kim Kardashian and her family have also been known to pop into restaurants, bedecked in designer sunglasses and feathers, while the brand’s burgers have become a staple of Oscar after-parties to the extent that famed director Steven Spielberg took photos of his meal. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2024

However, Arctic sea ice reached its annual maximum in March with a monthly value slightly below average, marking the highest March extent since 2013, the agency said. —Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024

Thousands of astronomy buffs did flood the tiny Texas town, but not to the extent eclipse watchers had predicted. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Apr. 2024

His departure ensued after disagreements with Patrick Soon-Shiong over his role as executive editor and the extent of newsroom cuts. —Selena Kuznikov, Variety, 8 Apr. 2024

Our first sleeper pick, to the extent a team that won 23 games and earned a No. 6 seed in the NCAAs can be considered a sleeper. —Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2024

To the extent there was some overlap between Top Gun: Maverick and Yonay’s article, Anderson ruled those specific details were not protected by copyright law. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 8 Apr. 2024

Sunlight will dim and changes in the weather will also occur in partial eclipse areas, but to a lesser extent. —Mary Gilbert, CNN, 5 Apr. 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