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
The Department of Education exists, to a large extent, to distribute education funds authorized by Congress. —
Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026 Information about the extent of the skier’s injuries was not immediately available Sunday. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026 The exact extent of the damage was not immediately clear. —Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2026 Data reflect offenses reported by police, regardless of the extent prosecuted. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 17 Apr. 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.
Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026 Information about the extent of the skier’s injuries was not immediately available Sunday. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026 The exact extent of the damage was not immediately clear. —Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2026 Data reflect offenses reported by police, regardless of the extent prosecuted. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extent
Cite this Entry
“Extent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/extent. Accessed 24 Apr. 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
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