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 course itself was a slippery expanse of blue ice and snow, requiring glacier glasses to combat the blinding UV reflection. —Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026

The sun is setting, and its slanting golden rays make the evening feel like a vast expanse of tenderness. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026

In these plans, recalled Douglas Vakoch, president of Messaging Extraterrestrial Intelligence (METI) International in San Francisco, huge diagrams would be etched on large expanses of land here on Earth. —Leonard David, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2026

Large expanses of glass keep the outdoors in constant view, so the house shifts with the light throughout the day. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 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