as in to measure
to find out the size, extent, or amount of
tried to span the distance between the two trees by eye alone
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of span
Kevin Williams, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
The James Kiehl River Bend Park spans 25 acres of grassland, woodland and riverfront habitats along the Guadalupe River.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Jan. 2026
Based on Rachel Reid’s 2019 novel of the same name, Heated Rivalry follows the slow-burn relationship between rival hockey stars Ilya and Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) over the span of several years.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for span
Verb
Meanwhile, several states spanning the political spectrum, including Arizona, Arkansas, and Vermont are tightening laws or considering additional restrictions on the ATMs.
—Noun
Beef prices climbed almost 16% over that span.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for span
Verb
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The property’s lot measures 4,640 square feet in area.—
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For now, expectations remain measured.—
Noun
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The head of the Federal Transit Administration is coming to Charlotte after the city’s transit system spent much of 2025 in the spotlight for a pair of violent incidents.—
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Using music for change, a pair of winners gives children a voice through songwriting.—
Noun
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The strike marks the first time in more than a year that Moscow has unleashed the Oreshnik, which can contain multiple warheads and carry either conventional or nuclear payloads.—
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And even though Reich was fired in his first year, Li stayed on with Canales, and Li and Canales’ relationship started well in 2024 and blossomed in 2025.—
Verb
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Assessed values are one metric that can be used to gauge a property’s worth.—
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Johnson even gauged Morton’s interest in joining his staff in Chicago.—
Noun
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The couple was awarded citizenship in a private ceremony in the capital of Conakry on Friday.—
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Chelsea Vaughn Photography The couple moved into Brian's home and started their lives together.—
Noun
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David Bowie personally appears on the cover of 24 of his solo albums, depicting himself as a bowl-cut heartthrob, an androgynous blond, a space alien in human disguise, a cigarette-smoking lounge creature, a sideways pair of legs, and an oddly undersized boxer.—
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Whether commuting for work or running errands, Dana is a carryall with ample space for essentials (think phone, keys, wallet, and sunglasses), along with a 13-inch laptop, water bottle, makeup, portable charger, lightweight jacket, snacks, and a notebook.—
Verb
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Now, researchers at Rice University report a solution that massively scales a key part of the design process.—
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What works in the fjords doesn't necessarily scale to the open ocean.—
Noun
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Both suits have sleeveless coveralls with yokes, front and back, of Lycra stretch knit.—
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Other Foods That Are Rich in Vitamin D Vitamin D is found naturally in few foods, including fish (like those above), beef liver, egg yoke, and cheese.—
Cite this Entry
“Span.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/span. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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