as in measuring
to find out the size, extent, or amount of
tried to span the distance between the two trees by eye alone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of spanning
Qube is a major Australian logistics and infrastructure group with operations spanning Australia, Southeast Asia and New Zealand.
—
Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026
The backstory Previously the administrative headquarters for Zadig & Voltaire spanning three buildings from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, the hotel is Thierry Gillier’s first foray into the hotel industry.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Available in regular, petite, and tall lengths spanning from XS to 3X, these lightweight, ultra-soft pants are an elevated alternative to leggings that are stretchy, lightweight, and versatile.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026
Together, these milestones reflect an artist whose career has evolved through strategic collaborations, genre-spanning projects, and a steadily growing cultural footprint.
—Kristen Wisneski, Billboard, 13 Feb. 2026
What Comes Next The scale of this expedition — spanning the full length of Argentina’s continental margin — makes its data set unusually comprehensive.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Walters and sous chef Amaru Loetz have a masterful grasp on raw and cooked seafood preparations with influences spanning the globe.
—Usa Today Network, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
Saudi Arabia announced on Saturday a major investment package in Syria spanning energy, aviation, real estate and telecommunications, as the kingdom positions itself as a leading backer of Syria’s new leadership.
—Reuters, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026
The city is arguing that those two dozen or so times, spanning from October 2024 to July 2025, constitute violations of the conditional 2011 arrangement.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 7 Feb. 2026
Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026
The backstory Previously the administrative headquarters for Zadig & Voltaire spanning three buildings from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, the hotel is Thierry Gillier’s first foray into the hotel industry.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Available in regular, petite, and tall lengths spanning from XS to 3X, these lightweight, ultra-soft pants are an elevated alternative to leggings that are stretchy, lightweight, and versatile.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026
Together, these milestones reflect an artist whose career has evolved through strategic collaborations, genre-spanning projects, and a steadily growing cultural footprint.
—Kristen Wisneski, Billboard, 13 Feb. 2026
What Comes Next The scale of this expedition — spanning the full length of Argentina’s continental margin — makes its data set unusually comprehensive.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Walters and sous chef Amaru Loetz have a masterful grasp on raw and cooked seafood preparations with influences spanning the globe.
—Usa Today Network, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
Saudi Arabia announced on Saturday a major investment package in Syria spanning energy, aviation, real estate and telecommunications, as the kingdom positions itself as a leading backer of Syria’s new leadership.
—Reuters, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026
The city is arguing that those two dozen or so times, spanning from October 2024 to July 2025, constitute violations of the conditional 2011 arrangement.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 7 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spanning
Verb
-
According to details on Walmart’s website, the water-resistant holster is designed to hold a revolver with a barrel measuring 4 to 6½ inches.—
Michael Ruiz , Amanda Macias,
FOXNews.com,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The dimming came as a surprise, as the star, designated ASASSN-24fw and measuring around twice the size of the sun, had previously been known to be stable.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Most recently, the chair of the vaccine panel, a cardiologist, told POLITICO that its focus this year will be on examining vaccine side effects rather than on its longstanding mission of gauging vaccine effectiveness.—
Dan Vergano,
Scientific American,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Oklahoma City news anchor, Amanda Taylor, posted a Facebook reel gauging Oklahoma City resident’s interest about the potential new opening.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
12 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spanning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spanning. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
