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
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
To the extent Medicare receives funding from the states, expect higher state and local taxes, property taxes, and consumption taxes like sales and use taxes, to cover the shortfall.
—
Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Also striking: several court cases in Florida highlight the extent to which criminal networks operate to funnel weapons to Haiti and its menacing gangs.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
That’s where the crux of the dispute is, to the extent that the basis for the lawsuit is false advertising.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025
In a competitive nature, professional Esports players take it to the same extent as pro soccer and football players do.
—Adam Rumanek, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extent
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Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Also striking: several court cases in Florida highlight the extent to which criminal networks operate to funnel weapons to Haiti and its menacing gangs.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
That’s where the crux of the dispute is, to the extent that the basis for the lawsuit is false advertising.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025
In a competitive nature, professional Esports players take it to the same extent as pro soccer and football players do.
—Adam Rumanek, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extent
Cite this Entry
“Extent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extent. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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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