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 closest thing to paradise around here may just be Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, a 348-acre expanse spanning Morgan Hill and San Jose. — Kalpana Mohan, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026

But don’t just zero in on the constellation; make sure to let your eyes scan the broad expanse of the sky because meteors can streak across any part of it. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 6 Aug. 2026

This New England expanse is excellent for stargazing, particularly along the 40-mile Cape Cod National Seashore. — Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026

Separately, Shaman likened El Niño to a large burner on a stovetop, heating the atmosphere across a vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean and leading to more global heat extremes, particularly for next summer if current forecasts pan out. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 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