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

There was some debate over whether the colors of the LGBTQ rainbow Pride flag should be used on parts of the memorial or whether a larger expanse of colors should be used instead. —Silas Morgan, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024

Outside, ships and helicopters glide across the turquoise expanse of San Francisco Bay. —Irina Aleksander, Vogue, 11 Dec. 2024

These autonomous applications work tirelessly as our digital representatives, sifting through the internet's vast expanse with unprecedented efficiency. —Sandy Carter, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

By covering large expanses of ground with precision, LiDAR allows researchers to uncover hidden structures. —Hannah Peart, NBC News, 29 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