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extent

noun
ex·​tent | \ ik-ˈstent How to pronounce extent (audio) \

Definition of extent

1a : 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
2a : 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 More Example Sentences Learn More about extent

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer played down the extent of the injury when press caught onto his condition - but only after the usual questions about his future at United. — SI.com, "Paul Pogba Filmed Limping Out of St Mary's With Ankle Injury After Southampton Stalemate," 1 Sep. 2019 Her father, Dave, enjoyed going to the driving range, but that was about the extent to which his involvement in the sport went. — Daily Pilot, "High School Female Athlete of the Week: Vanessa Betancourt a rock for Huntington Beach girls’ golf," 31 Aug. 2019 In the shared torment of that winter’s cold and mud and dark, a new breed had been inoculated, to large extent, against an ancient malady. — Richard Brady, National Review, "Valley of the Shadow," 31 Aug. 2019 Once revealed, the extent of the corruption sparked widespread protests and street violence, and calls for Moise to step down. — Washington Post, "AP Interview: Haitian president pledges to outlast troubles," 30 Aug. 2019 But the case is unlikely to be resolved soon, leaving the extent of their fortune a mystery. — Matthew Goldstein, New York Times, "Sacklers vs. States: Settlement Talks Stumble Over Foreign Business," 30 Aug. 2019 The extent of those moments remains a mystery even to me. — Sophie Poldermans, Time, "As Teenagers, These Sisters Resisted the Nazis. Here’s What They Taught Me About Doing the Right Thing," 30 Aug. 2019 The man was transported to the hospital and the extent of his injuries is not known, said Thim. — Anchorage Daily News, "Man shot by Anchorage police after hours-long standoff near Strawberry Road," 27 Aug. 2019 And the extent of this fuzziness can tell us how much mass neutrinos have. — Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, "Mysterious Neutrinos Get New Mass Estimate," 26 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'extent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of extent

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

History and Etymology for extent

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

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More Definitions for extent

extent

noun
How to pronounce extent (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of extent

: the range, distance, or space that is covered or affected by something or included in something
: the point or limit to which something extends or reaches

See the full definition for extent in the English Language Learners Dictionary

extent

noun
ex·​tent | \ ik-ˈstent How to pronounce extent (audio) \

Kids Definition of extent

1 : the distance or range that is covered or affected by something
2 : the point, degree, or limit to which something reaches or extends the extent of our property

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More from Merriam-Webster on extent

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with extent

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for extent

Spanish Central: Translation of extent

Nglish: Translation of extent for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of extent for Arabic Speakers

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