1
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
Synonyms
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
During an appearance on The Breakfast Club to promote his new Hulu documentary, The Honorable Shyne, Barrow detailed the extent of his dealings with Combs during and after his 10-year incarceration.
—
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 19 Nov. 2024
Despite those flaws — or heck, perhaps because of them, to some extent — over the past eight years, Sheridan has become a successful TV brand, on a par with Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 18 Nov. 2024
Even the motives governing the new battlefield would be alien, to some extent.
—Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
Whoever or whatever group started this campaign needs to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
—Nbc Los Angeles, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for extent 
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Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 19 Nov. 2024
Despite those flaws — or heck, perhaps because of them, to some extent — over the past eight years, Sheridan has become a successful TV brand, on a par with Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 18 Nov. 2024
Even the motives governing the new battlefield would be alien, to some extent.
—Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
Whoever or whatever group started this campaign needs to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
—Nbc Los Angeles, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for extent
Dictionary Entries Near extent
Cite this Entry
“Extent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extent. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
extent
noun
ex·tent
ik-ˈstent 
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
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