spans 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of span
as in measures
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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spans

2 of 2

noun

plural of span
1
as in pairs

Related Words
2
as in spaces

Related Words

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 spans
Verb
One spans two spacious bedrooms, while another has its own kitchenette, and the largest includes a living room. — Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026 The advice spans quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and tight ends across the league — with a heavy focus on the NFC South. — Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026 The company says its global research network spans the US, Europe, Japan, India, Singapore and Taiwan. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026 The industry veteran has over three decades of experience that spans product development, sourcing, quality, ESG and supply chain transformation. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026 Filled with '90s nostalgia and amulets lifted straight from the original film, this collection spans necklaces, charms, rings, earrings and more, all imbued with the spirit of the Owens sisters' supernatural beauty and charisma. — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 University of Wisconsin-Madison getty The University of Wisconsin-Madison came in fourth place with a scenic campus that spans nearly 936 acres across 12 quads and open areas. — Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 The rural area spans six English counties including Gloucestershire, where King Charles III and Queen Camilla often spend time at their private country residence of Highgrove. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 Tencent Video counts itself among China’s leading streaming platforms, carrying a broad slate of content that spans drama series, animation, film, variety programming, sports and documentaries, alongside an expanding international footprint. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spans
  1. measures
  2. pairs
  3. years
  4. gauges
  5. couples
  6. stretches
  7. weighs
  8. teams
Verb
  • This vector is defined by a list of coordinates, where each coordinate measures how much of a particular attribute that person has.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Roblox says that system measures qualified play-through rate, time spent, repeat visits, spending and how often people deliberately play with friends.
    — Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of measures
Noun
  • In July, Heated Rivalry actor Hudson Williams was spotted in Seoul wearing a pair of calf-length white shorts from Descalco, a new swimwear brand that launches this week.
    — Ashley Ogawa Clarke, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The sum of the parts, though, leads to a potential second-pair defenseman who can play both ways.
    — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of pairs
Noun
  • Ten years ago, on Mother’s Day, Fiona Galvin reported her 17-year-old daughter missing.
    — Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • Over the past 10 years, Quinn has seen an increase in challenging behavior and more emotions among her 6- and 7-year-olds, with a particular ramp-up since the pandemic.
    — Stacker, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
Definition of years
Verb
  • San Diego earned a 78 out of 100 Redfin Compete Score, which gauges how competitive a market is.
    — Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 16 July 2026
  • Activity impact gauges how physical exertion is affecting your recovery.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Definition of gauges
Noun
  • The Kissingers were also among the most visible couples in New York City, their principal residence, attending museum openings, fashion shows by Bill Blass and Oscar de la Renta, and charity fundraisers.
    — Robert D. Mcfadden, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
  • World-renowned for his work on marital stability and divorce prediction, John Gottman has conducted 50 years of breakthrough research with thousands of couples.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of couples
Noun
  • The question for the next six weeks is whether those tumultuous stretches in April and July into August have done them in.
    — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The unit might finally be complemented by a gorgeous offense, one capable of starting fast and leading for long stretches.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of stretches
Verb
  • Peltz weighs deal for Wendy’s Nelson Peltz’s Trian Fund is assembling a group that could bid to take Wendy’s private as the chain faces declining sales, falling traffic, and restaurant closures.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026
  • As Johnson weighs whether to run for a second term in next year’s election, CTU is seeing former friends and allies either become enemies or distance themselves from the union’s pressure tactics and recklessness.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of weighs
Noun
  • Here’s the Week 0 Fort Worth-area high school football scores including teams from area districts.
    — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The location pros behind Best Picture Oscar winner One Battle After Another and nominee Marty Supreme won the film prizes at the 2026 LMGI Awards, with the Pluribus, Fallout and Black Rabbit teams taking TV honors.
    — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of teams

Browse Nearby Words

spanning
spans
spar
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Cite this Entry

“Spans.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spans. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spans

Nglish: Translation of spans for Spanish Speakers

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