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

Towering cathedrals of ice define the shore, in contrast to the vast, untouched, eerily silent expanses that stretch inland. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 11 Sep. 2026

Gauff knocked the ball into a rectangular expanse of blue, as Jović stood in the doubles alley and doubled over to her knees, trying to catch her breath. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

On Florida’s Paradise Coast, an expanse of shoreline running from Naples to the Everglades on the state’s southwest coast, lies Marco Island. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2026

At first glance, Lençóis Maranhenses looks like an enormous white desert—but this vast expanse contains multitudes. — Caitlin Morton, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 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