expanse

noun

ex·​panse ik-ˈspan(t)s 

1

: firmament

2

: great extent of something spread out

an expanse of calm ocean

Synonyms of expanse

• expansion
• stretch
• length

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

The ocean becomes a creamy expanse splotched with brown mats of decomposing algae, according to photos shared by Abrams. — Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026

Yet the history of the land — and the people who have resided on the vast expanse that became the United States — stretches back much further. — Joe Yogerst, CNN Money, 27 June 2026

What started as a rehabbed tourist kiosk is now a pizza and natural wine bar treasure, with all outdoor seating opening directly onto the Mall’s grassy expanse. — Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

The cosmos may be rich creative terrain, but Muse deal with the terrifying, destabilizing fact of the universe’s infinite expanse by simply trying to fill it up. — Liam Inscoe-Jones, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for expanse

• advance
• askance
• enhance
• finance
• freelance
• mischance
• perchance
• romance
• chance
• dance
• glance
• hance

Kids Definition

expanse

noun

ex·​panse ik-ˈspan(t)s 

: a wide space, area, or stretch

the vast expanse of the ocean