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
The city faces a deep political divide on key policy questions, such as the extent to which the large police budget should be preserved over other city services in upcoming budget talks.
—
Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing, including a tax advisor and/or attorney.
—Amy Wagner and Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2024
According to the memoir, Bertolucci did not tell Schneider the full extent of the film’s plot until right before production.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2024
Indeed, Congress had already exerted its authority in the Electoral Count Act in 1887, which institutionalized standards to reduce the extent of reliance on democratic norms.
—Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for extent 
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Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing, including a tax advisor and/or attorney.
—Amy Wagner and Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2024
According to the memoir, Bertolucci did not tell Schneider the full extent of the film’s plot until right before production.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2024
Indeed, Congress had already exerted its authority in the Electoral Count Act in 1887, which institutionalized standards to reduce the extent of reliance on democratic norms.
—Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 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 22 Nov. 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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