extent

noun

ex·​tent ik-ˈstent 

1

a

: 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

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

• bound
• boundary
• cap
• ceiling
• confines
• end
• limit
• limitation
• line
• termination

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 extent of unused offices in Washington was highlighted in a December report from Sen. Joni Ernst’s (R-IA) office. —Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Mar. 2025

The extent of that wild ride is two contract extensions worth a total of $189 million. —Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025

Putin will know the extent to which Russia is now reliant economically on China, and subservient to it militarily. —Linggong Kong, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2025

Confrontations with judges are grabbing attention, but more quietly a pattern of questionable arrests shows the extent to which the administration is willing to test norms and laws. by Vernal Coleman Change Appearance Republish ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. —Vernal Coleman, ProPublica, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing extent

• to a certain extent
• to a greater/lesser degree/extent
• to a greater or lesser degree/extent
• to a great extent
• to such an extent
• to the fullest extent of
• to what extent
• writ of extent

Rhymes for extent

• accent
• advent
• ascent
• assent
• augment
• cement
• consent
• dement
• descent
• detent
• dissent
• event

Kids 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