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 the creditor temporary possession of the 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
In bumping off Ecuador 2-0 Tuesday night in the friendly confines of Estadio Azteca, Mexico has set up Telemundo (and to a lesser extent, Fox) for a post-holiday blockbuster against England.
—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
2 July 2026
But the next governor of Florida could play a key role in determining the extent to which there are guardrails around the industry, and the spending makes clear who the political action committees and their donors see as their best bet for governor.
—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
2 July 2026
Growing production to the extent needed to eliminate the most critical trade exposures could require about $2 trillion in capacity-creating investment.
—
Eric Kutcher,
Fortune,
2 July 2026
El Niño is well-known to amplify global average surface temperatures and is expected to lead to a record warm year in 2027, while boosting temperatures this year to some extent as well.
—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for extent
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.
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
2 July 2026
But the next governor of Florida could play a key role in determining the extent to which there are guardrails around the industry, and the spending makes clear who the political action committees and their donors see as their best bet for governor.
—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
2 July 2026
Growing production to the extent needed to eliminate the most critical trade exposures could require about $2 trillion in capacity-creating investment.
—
Eric Kutcher,
Fortune,
2 July 2026
El Niño is well-known to amplify global average surface temperatures and is expected to lead to a record warm year in 2027, while boosting temperatures this year to some extent as well.
—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for extent
Cite this Entry
“Extent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extent. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
