as in expansion
a wide space or area
the great explorers who crossed the vast expanses of the seven seas in small ships
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of expanse
Driving east on Route 80 toward the Meta site in Holly Ridge, an unincorporated rural community about 15 minutes east of Rayville—the landscape is defined by flat expanses of soybean and cotton fields, punctuated by grain silos, grazing cows, and the occasional tractor.
—
Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
Large expanses of glass open seamlessly to the outdoors.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2026
In it, two split-level homes float atop a fluffy, cloudlike expanse of white surf before a golden sunset.
—Laura Brown, Artforum, 25 Mar. 2026
No other country could have projected force from its homeland on the scale that America so far has—and not just in a couple of large raids, but in a sustained campaign conducted over a vast expanse of land and sea.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expanse
Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
Large expanses of glass open seamlessly to the outdoors.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2026
In it, two split-level homes float atop a fluffy, cloudlike expanse of white surf before a golden sunset.
—Laura Brown, Artforum, 25 Mar. 2026
No other country could have projected force from its homeland on the scale that America so far has—and not just in a couple of large raids, but in a sustained campaign conducted over a vast expanse of land and sea.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expanse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expanse
Noun
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Over the past few of years, the surge in artificial intelligence fueled by apps, websites and other tech has created the need for the rapid expansion of massive data centers to handle the demand.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Mar. 2026
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Part of the money will also go toward expansion of Philander Smith's health education facilities, including space for soon-to-be radiologists and phlebotomists.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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For months, residents along that stretch of the project have expressed concerns regarding its design and impact.—
Desiree Mathurin,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Mar. 2026
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The first week was rough, as the family adjusted to long stretches of desert trail in ever-changing spring conditions.—
David Gleisner,
Outside,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Our conversation has been edited for clarity and length.—
Vinson Cunningham,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
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Nearly finished 2 ¾ lengths behind Chief Wallabee to end up fourth.—
Clark Spencer,
Miami Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Expanse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expanse. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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