as in measured
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 spanned
During his time with Cage Warriors, which spanned 2013 through 2021, Pimblett won and defended the CW featherweight title and fought for that promotion’s lightweight crown.
—
Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Known for his 2004 Championship — in NASCAR’s first edition of The Chase, a format to which the sport has now returned — Busch’s career spanned over years, culminating in 34 Cup Series victories.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 24 Jan. 2026
These black holes would have spanned a range of masses, depending on the size of the spikes.
—Quanta Magazine, 23 Jan. 2026
Abrams' tenure in the front office spanned four general managers, including his own short stint as interim GM in 2017, and seven head coaches before Harbaugh.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Cardella allegedly drugged and molested two of his tenants in two separate incidents that spanned several months, according to officials.
—Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
The Pacers staged a 15-4 run that spanned nearly five minutes and cut Boston’s lead from 20 points to nine.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
Joe Don Baker, an actor whose career spanned nearly 50 years, died at age 89 on May 7.
—Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
At its widest in the 1950s, the inlet spanned 500 feet across and 13 feet deep.
—Jack Prator, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Known for his 2004 Championship — in NASCAR’s first edition of The Chase, a format to which the sport has now returned — Busch’s career spanned over years, culminating in 34 Cup Series victories.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 24 Jan. 2026
These black holes would have spanned a range of masses, depending on the size of the spikes.
—Quanta Magazine, 23 Jan. 2026
Abrams' tenure in the front office spanned four general managers, including his own short stint as interim GM in 2017, and seven head coaches before Harbaugh.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Cardella allegedly drugged and molested two of his tenants in two separate incidents that spanned several months, according to officials.
—Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
The Pacers staged a 15-4 run that spanned nearly five minutes and cut Boston’s lead from 20 points to nine.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
Joe Don Baker, an actor whose career spanned nearly 50 years, died at age 89 on May 7.
—Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
At its widest in the 1950s, the inlet spanned 500 feet across and 13 feet deep.
—Jack Prator, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spanned
Verb
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In the past two years, Russian territorial gains in some areas can be measured in just yards per day, well under half a football field, the CSIS report says.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
28 Jan. 2026
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What cannot be measured is neglected.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Battery Life and Power Management The durability of a medical alert system is gauged by its ability to save power when it is most required.—
Craig Lebrau,
USA Today,
19 Jan. 2026
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Neither’s production, as gauged by pure receiving yards, stands out.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spanned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spanned. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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