expanse

noun

ex·​panse ik-ˈspan(t)s 

1

: firmament

2

: great extent of something spread out

an expanse of calm ocean

Synonyms

• breadth
• distance
• expansion
• extent
• field
• length
• plain
• reach
• sheet
• spread
• stretch
• waste

Examples of expanse in a Sentence

The explorer gazed across the vast Arctic expanse.

the great explorers who crossed the vast expanses of the seven seas in small ships

Recent Examples on the Web

Dubai Harbour’s 20-million-square-foot expanse, for example, can accommodate up to 700 vessels, including superyachts up to 160 meters in length. —Dubai Tourism Contributor, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Parts of the area now look like an extension of the Balearic Sea after unprecedented rainfall turned what should be dry ground into a vast expanse of water, satellite imagery captured on October 30 shows. —Mary Gilbert, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024

The finale opens on a lush green expanse of forest as women vocalize in the background. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2024

The Denver City Council on Monday cleared the way for Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche owner Stan Kroenke to build new skyscrapers on the expanse of parking lots around Ball Arena where those teams play. —Joe Rubino, The Denver Post, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin expansum, from Latin, neuter of expansus, past participle of expandere

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

expanse

noun

ex·​panse ik-ˈspan(t)s 

: a wide space, area, or stretch

the vast expanse of the ocean