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 the creditor temporary possession of the debtor's property

3

archaic : valuation (as of land) in Great Britain especially for taxation

Synonyms of extent

• limit
• limitation
• confines
• boundary

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

Medicaid Expansion may be necessary for some, but not to the extent it is being utilized today, The more Idaho relies on federal dollars, the more strings are tied to demands by the federal government. —Mark Dee may 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 May 2026

Ukraine is increasingly playing the role of global security provider — rather than recipient — as US allies question the extent of Washington’s security guarantees, experts said. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 3 May 2026

To what extent and with what consequence depends on the funding source. —Nicolas Villamil, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2026

Mauricio will have a CT scan performed Monday to determine the extent of the fracture. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 3 May 2026

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