Extent — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ik-ˈstent/ ex·tent

Meaning & Definition of Extent

Extent (noun)

  1. the range over which something extends, scope
  2. the amount of space or surface that something occupies or the distance over which it extends, magnitude
  3. the point, degree, or limit to which something extends

Extent (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go

    "the coach exceeded the extent of his authority by exempting some of the players from the requirement"

    similar: bound, boundary, cap, ceiling, confines, end, limit, limitation, line, termination
    related: extremity, fag end, terminus, border, brim, edge, margin, rim, verge, outside, bar, barrier, fence, hedge, restraint, stop, wall

  2. a wide space or area

    "the seemingly endless extent of the windswept prairies"

    similar: breadth, distance, expanse, expansion, field, length, plain, reach, sheet, spread, stretch, waste
    related: domain, sphere, territory, compass, range, scope, sweep, gamut, scale, spectrum, depth, emptiness, void, extension, latitude, span, amplitude, immensity, magnitude

  3. an area over which activity, capacity, or influence extends

    "the extent of this criminal investigation has widened considerably since it began"

    similar: ambit, amplitude, breadth, compass, confines, dimension(s), range, reach, realm, scope, sweep, width
    related: gamut, spectrum, spread, bailiwick, circle, demesne, department, discipline, domain, element, fief, fiefdom, field, province, region, specialty, sphere, terrain, frontier, horizon, panorama

  4. the total amount of measurable space or surface occupied by something

    "looking at the extent of the stain on my shirt, you might think that I had spilled a gallon of coffee"

    similar: bulk, dimension, magnitude, measure, measurement, proportion, size
    related: area, capaciousness, commodiousness, roominess, spaciousness, ampleness, amplitude, bigness, bulkiness, enormousness, grandness, greatness, grossness, heftiness, hugeness, immenseness, immensity, largeness, mass, massiveness, monstrousness, stupendousness, tremendousness, vastness, volume, voluminousness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Extent

The most common words with a similar meaning to Extent:

bound, boundary, cap, ceiling, confines, end, limit, limitation, line, termination, breadth, distance, expanse, expansion, field, length, plain, reach, sheet, spread, stretch, waste, ambit, amplitude, compass, dimension(s), range, realm, scope, sweep, width, bulk, dimension, magnitude, measure, measurement, proportion, size

Related Words for Extent

extremity, fag end, terminus, border, brim, edge, margin, rim, verge, outside, bar, barrier, fence, hedge, restraint, stop, wall, domain, sphere, territory, gamut, scale, spectrum, depth, emptiness, void, extension, latitude, span, immensity

Origin & Etymology of Extent

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

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Extent

Words & Phrases Containing Extent

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Extent

What does "Extent" mean?

"Extent" means the range over which something extends, scope. As a noun, it is defined as: the range over which something extends, scope. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Extent"?

Other words for "Extent" include bound, boundary, cap, ceiling, confines, end, limit and limitation. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Extent" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Extent"?

There are 107 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Extent". Common alternatives include bound, boundary, cap, ceiling, confines, end, limit, limitation, line and termination.

How do you use "Extent" in a sentence?

Examples of "Extent" in a sentence: "the coach exceeded the extent of his authority by exempting some of the players from the requirement"; "the seemingly endless extent of the windswept prairies"; "the extent of this criminal investigation has widened considerably since it began".

Is "Extent" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Extent" is a noun.

Is "Extent" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Extent" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Extent"?

"Extent" is pronounced /ik-ˈstent/ and divided into syllables as ex·tent.

What is the origin of the word "Extent"?

"Extent" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French estente, extente land valuation, from extendre, estendre to survey, evaluate, literally, to extend. First known use: 14th century.