as in to measure
to find out the size, extent, or amount of
tried to span the distance between the two trees by eye alone
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of span
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 2026
This program collects two mid-length documentaries by Raymond Depardon from the mid-1970s, inaugurating a career-spanning interest in former French colonial Africa.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2026
Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Jan. 2026
Based on Rachel Reid’s 2019 novel of the same name, Heated Rivalry follows the slow-burn relationship between rival hockey stars Ilya and Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) over the span of several years.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for span
Verb
Farmhouse Aesthetics The farmhouse aesthetic is one of the most enduring trends of the past decades, spanning interiors and exteriors, bathrooms included.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 2026
This program collects two mid-length documentaries by Raymond Depardon from the mid-1970s, inaugurating a career-spanning interest in former French colonial Africa.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
Beef prices climbed almost 16% over that span.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Jan. 2026
Based on Rachel Reid’s 2019 novel of the same name, Heated Rivalry follows the slow-burn relationship between rival hockey stars Ilya and Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) over the span of several years.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for span
Recent Examples of Synonyms for span
Verb
-
The property’s lot measures 4,640 square feet in area.—
Bay Area Home Report,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
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For now, expectations remain measured.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The head of the Federal Transit Administration is coming to Charlotte after the city’s transit system spent much of 2025 in the spotlight for a pair of violent incidents.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
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Using music for change, a pair of winners gives children a voice through songwriting.—
Sharon Chin,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The strike marks the first time in more than a year that Moscow has unleashed the Oreshnik, which can contain multiple warheads and carry either conventional or nuclear payloads.—
Kosta Gak,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
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And even though Reich was fired in his first year, Li stayed on with Canales, and Li and Canales’ relationship started well in 2024 and blossomed in 2025.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Markets are grappling to gauge demand that remains steadfast.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
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Meanwhile, markets reacted nervously today, with European stocks falling and US futures pointing lower as investors worldwide try to gauge how tensions between the US and Europe might develop.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The couple was awarded citizenship in a private ceremony in the capital of Conakry on Friday.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Chelsea Vaughn Photography The couple moved into Brian's home and started their lives together.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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David Bowie personally appears on the cover of 24 of his solo albums, depicting himself as a bowl-cut heartthrob, an androgynous blond, a space alien in human disguise, a cigarette-smoking lounge creature, a sideways pair of legs, and an oddly undersized boxer.—
Armin Rosen,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
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Whether commuting for work or running errands, Dana is a carryall with ample space for essentials (think phone, keys, wallet, and sunglasses), along with a 13-inch laptop, water bottle, makeup, portable charger, lightweight jacket, snacks, and a notebook.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Now, researchers at Rice University report a solution that massively scales a key part of the design process.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Jan. 2026
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What works in the fjords doesn't necessarily scale to the open ocean.—
Ryan Craggs,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Both suits have sleeveless coveralls with yokes, front and back, of Lycra stretch knit.—
The Editors,
Outside,
20 Dec. 2025
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Other Foods That Are Rich in Vitamin D Vitamin D is found naturally in few foods, including fish (like those above), beef liver, egg yoke, and cheese.—
Kelly Burch,
Verywell Health,
28 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Span.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/span. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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