expanse
noun
ex·panse
ik-ˈspan(t)s 
1
2
: great extent of something spread out
an expanse of calm ocean
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
This landscape, while still uninhabitable to most, continues to capture the imagination and curiosity of over one million annual visitors who come to the park to witness the vast expanse of space, to experience the extremes, and to imagine the human history that played out here.
—
Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 15 Dec. 2025
The book’s occasional oases of self-examination are surrounded by dusty expanses of omission and unconcern.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2025
Nothing on the surface of this scrubby expanse of western Nevada desert, overlooked by towering, craggy mountains, gives even a hint of what lies beneath.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 2025
The meeting place looks much like any other expanse of road in the Sonoran desert, dusty taupe with various cacti and mesquite trees.
—Von Diaz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expanse
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Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 15 Dec. 2025
The book’s occasional oases of self-examination are surrounded by dusty expanses of omission and unconcern.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2025
Nothing on the surface of this scrubby expanse of western Nevada desert, overlooked by towering, craggy mountains, gives even a hint of what lies beneath.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 2025
The meeting place looks much like any other expanse of road in the Sonoran desert, dusty taupe with various cacti and mesquite trees.
—Von Diaz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expanse
Cite this Entry
“Expanse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expanse. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
expanse
noun
ex·panse
ik-ˈspan(t)s
: a wide space, area, or stretch
the vast expanse of the ocean
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