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

Its blue expanse, Alpine backdrop and shifting mountain light give the old resort towns along the water a natural theater of their own. — Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

The seaside expanse offers up a lounge and a panoramic sunpad that holds two Seabobs beneath. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 July 2026

The flat expanse of Winnipeg, Canada, where it was filmed, makes a good topographical match for east Kansas. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

As the sun rose in in Louisville, Kentucky, some gathered at Historic Locust Grove, a green expanse where famous Americans like Meriwether Lewis and William Clark once met, to celebrate the United States' diversity. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 5 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