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
Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026
Among her achievements in a career spanning more than four decades, Batson established the first steel band programs at the University of Miami and Florida Memorial University.
—Fernando Gonzalez, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026
Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
His three previous seasons in Pittsburgh were no slouch either, as his combined total receiving yardage through four years is eighth across the NFL in that same time-span.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for span
Verb
Their globe-spanning efforts required help from many individuals in many countries, almost none of whom have been charged with crimes.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026
Among her achievements in a career spanning more than four decades, Batson established the first steel band programs at the University of Miami and Florida Memorial University.
—Fernando Gonzalez, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
Within a span of months, Heaps hired Varas as the club’s first coach and built a 25-man roster with an international flair.
—Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
His three previous seasons in Pittsburgh were no slouch either, as his combined total receiving yardage through four years is eighth across the NFL in that same time-span.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for span
Recent Examples of Synonyms for span
Verb
-
While astronomical seasons are measured by Earth’s position in relation to the sun, meteorological seasons are based on the annual temperature cycle.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
1 Mar. 2026
-
At 6 feet, 192 pounds, Bell, his hands measuring 10 inches, his arms 31 1/8, made his reputation by breaking tackles after making the catch.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Messi, who had missed three previous Inter Miami games in Orlando since joining the club, had a pair of brilliant goals and an assist after halftime as Miami scored four unanswered goals.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
2 Mar. 2026
-
At one point, James asked to kiss the victim’s pair of boots.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Gas prices are still lower than a year ago, even amid the current surge, according to AAA.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Software debt that started the year trading near 100 cents on the dollar is now 10 cents lower.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
That’s when Segovia showed him the lineup again to gauge how Conner’s memory was doing.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
24 Feb. 2026
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If the Browns were to seriously consider a trade for Jones, Anthony Richardson of the Colts or Tanner McKee of the Philadelphia Eagles, the week in Indianapolis could be used to gauge the market for those players and potentially begin conversations.—
Zac Jackson,
New York Times,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
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And just like in the episode, the couple's fight didn't just take place solely in the park but on the street outside their apartment as well.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
27 Feb. 2026
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David Kendall, the Clintons' lawyer, argued that the couple has no information relevant to the committee's investigation of the federal government's handling of investigations into Epstein and Maxwell, and should not be required to appear for in-person testimony.—
Lalee Ibssa,
ABC News,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The one thing that is undetermined that could free up even more cap space is the situation surrounding defensive tackle Kenny Clark.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Mar. 2026
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In true Dean fashion, this space was once Dublin’s most iconic nightclub, now transformed into one of the city’s most covetable gym experiences.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The challenge was maintaining that identity as the business scaled.—
Dana Harris-Bridson,
IndieWire,
25 Feb. 2026
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Under Kennedy, health officials have taken steps to scale back access to Covid vaccines and have taken a harder line on mRNA, the technology used in the Pfizer and Moderna shots.—
Berkeley Lovelace Jr,
NBC news,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Today is the beginning of their fifth year under the yoke of war.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
22 Feb. 2026
-
An abrasion-resistant Cordura overlay covers the shoulders, hood and upper sleeves for extra durability, and an extra layer of synthetic down in the yoke, upper sleeves, and draft flap improve heat retention.—
Graham Averill,
Outside,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Span.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/span. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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