extent

noun

ex·​tent ik-ˈstent How to pronounce extent (audio)
1
a
: the range over which something extends : scope
the extent of her jurisdiction
b
: the amount of space or surface that something occupies or the distance over which it extends : magnitude
the extent of the forest
c
: the point, degree, or limit to which something extends
using talents to the greatest extent
2
a
: seizure (as of land) in execution of a writ of extent in Great Britain
also : the condition of being so seized
b
: a writ giving to a creditor temporary possession of his debtor's property
3
archaic : valuation (as of land) in Great Britain especially for taxation

Examples of extent in a Sentence

She tried to determine the extent of the damage. the full extent of human knowledge He questions the extent to which these remedies are needed.
Recent Examples on the Web If guilty, here’s hoping Atlanta and Philly are prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2024 Critics have also expressed disapproval of the extent of data collection undertaken by TikTok. Max Zahn, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2024 Friday’s extraordinary developments underscored the extent to which the case that began with allegations that a former president tried to undermine the will of the people who voted him out of the White House had become consumed by talk of the love lives of its top prosecutors. Alanna Durkin Richer, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2024 The decision in Murthy v. Missouri will help determine the extent to which the Biden administration can notify social media platforms about potentially concerning content on their sites. Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 15 Mar. 2024 Public companies already have to disclose material risks, but they will also be obliged to disclose the extent to which climate change could pose significant risks to their business. The Editors, National Review, 11 Mar. 2024 Corporate profits have contributed to inflation, though experts differ on the extent. Tami Luhby, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 Argentina had issued tens of billions of dollars of bonds documented under the laws of the State of New York, had specifically agreed to the jurisdiction of the court, and had waived its sovereign immunity to the maximum extent provided by law. Gregory Makoff, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2024 These kids need to serve time to the fullest extent that the law allows. Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'extent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French estente, extente land valuation, from extendre, estendre to survey, evaluate, literally, to extend

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of extent was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near extent

Cite this Entry

“Extent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extent. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

extent

noun
ex·​tent ik-ˈstent How to pronounce extent (audio)
1
: the range, distance, or space over or through which something extends
the extent of the Roman empire
2
: the point, degree, or limit to which something extends
the extent of her knowledge

More from Merriam-Webster on extent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!