Logo
dictionary thesaurus

magnitude

noun
mag·​ni·​tude | \ ˈmag-nə-ˌtüd How to pronounce magnitude (audio) , -ˌtyüd\

Definition of magnitude

1a : great size or extent cannot wage a war of such magnitude— A. N. Whitehead the magnitude of an earthquake
b(1) : spatial quality : size able to operate only over distances of very small magnitude— G. W. Gray
(2) : quantity, number the savings in amounts of metal … will be of dramatically significant magnitudes — American Fabrics
2 : the importance, quality, or caliber of something evil of such magnitude as must, if possible, be prevented— Jane Austen a writer of first magnitude— Richard Plant
3 : a number representing the intrinsic (see intrinsic sense 1a) or apparent brightness of a celestial (see celestial entry 1 sense 2) body on a logarithmic scale in which an increase of one unit corresponds to a reduction in the brightness of light by a factor of 2.512
4 : a numerical quantitative measure expressed usually as a multiple of a standard unit
5 : the intensity of an earthquake represented by a number on an arbitrary scale a magnitude six earthquake
Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about magnitude

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of magnitude in a Sentence

the magnitude of the issue can scarcely be overstated the mountain's sheer magnitude usually leaves tourists speechless

Recent Examples on the Web

 An average of five earthquakes with magnitudes of 5.0 to 6.0 occur every year in California and Nevada, according to a recent three-year data sample. — Los Angeles Times, "5.0 earthquake felt near Ridgecrest," 22 Aug. 2019 With greater transparency around pay, companies can better understand the magnitude of this problem and can quickly take steps to make progress for pay equality among women of color. — Renee Morad, NBC News, "5 crucial steps companies should take on Black Women's Equal Pay Day and beyond," 22 Aug. 2019 No one understands the magnitude of the challenge better than the young people who stand to inherit our climate crisis. — Akshat Rathi, Quartz, "The UN just elevated its greatest allies in the climate fight: the youth," 21 Aug. 2019 But the magnitude of the increase depended on many variables, including growing-season conditions. — Jonathan Levin, BostonGlobe.com, "Tomato trade war eases as US agrees to end Mexico tariffs," 21 Aug. 2019 However, given the magnitude of the deal, both clubs are looking at player-plus-cash offers, rather than trying to meet PSG's asking price. — SI.com, "PSG Demand 1 of 4 Real Madrid Players in Huge Neymar Swap Deal," 19 Aug. 2019 Markets will be watching closely on Tuesday to determine the magnitude of the economic boost, Cheung added. — Laura He, CNN, "China's central bank is cutting interest rates by stealth," 19 Aug. 2019 Other Democratic contenders have had fundraising bursts of their own in Texas, albeit not of the magnitude of O'Rourke's. — Tom Benning, Dallas News, "Here's how much money Democratic presidential hopefuls have raised so far in Texas to beat Trump," 8 Aug. 2019 There are no words to properly express the magnitude of this tragedy. — Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, "Christopher Ranch Garlic statement: ‘Gilroy to persevere’," 29 July 2019

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

See More

First Known Use of magnitude

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for magnitude

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin magnitudo, from magnus

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for magnitude

magnitude

noun
How to pronounce magnitude (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of magnitude

: the size, extent, or importance of something
: a number that shows the brightness of a star
: a number that shows the power of an earthquake

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

magnitude

noun
mag·​ni·​tude | \ ˈmag-nə-ˌtüd How to pronounce magnitude (audio) , -ˌtyüd\

Kids Definition of magnitude

: greatness of size or importance “How can you term an undertaking of such magnitude mere peddling?”— Lloyd Alexander, Time Cat

magnitude

noun
mag·​ni·​tude | \ ˈmag-nə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce magnitude (audio) \

Medical Definition of magnitude

: relative size or extent

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

jeopardize

play

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!