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
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of expanse
Over the intervening 25 years, the landscape across an 18,000-square-mile expanse, larger than the state of Maryland, has undergone an extensive reshaping.
—
Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
The building boom only increased when Amazon moved its headquarters from Beacon Hill to a series of buildings that are all within walking distance of the hotel, including Amazon’s Spheres, the glass domes breaking up an expanse of office buildings.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 9 Jan. 2026
The more immediate risk of poor snow conditions is the impact on water supplies this summer, particularly along the Colorado River but also more broadly across a large expanse of the West.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
As the frame widens, the pacing slows, and the Shakers’ movement pauses, what Fastvold captures is how, out of the expanse of America, the Shakers start to find structure.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expanse
Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
The building boom only increased when Amazon moved its headquarters from Beacon Hill to a series of buildings that are all within walking distance of the hotel, including Amazon’s Spheres, the glass domes breaking up an expanse of office buildings.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 9 Jan. 2026
The more immediate risk of poor snow conditions is the impact on water supplies this summer, particularly along the Colorado River but also more broadly across a large expanse of the West.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
As the frame widens, the pacing slows, and the Shakers’ movement pauses, what Fastvold captures is how, out of the expanse of America, the Shakers start to find structure.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expanse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expanse
Noun
-
The federal government pays 90% of the costs of Idaho’s Medicaid expansion, which as of early 2025 provided access to care for about 90,000 lower-income Idaho residents who earn too much to qualify for standard Medicaid but not enough for private insurance discounts.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Washington’s neutrality preserved the republic’s future, enabling economic expansion under the funding system Hamilton designed, territorial growth through the Louisiana Purchase and beyond, and eventual emergence as a great power capable of tipping global balances.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Crafted from 100% cotton, the fabric delivers the soft stretch and cozy feel of your favorite T-shirt while being gentle on the skin.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Last week, as drivers got back to their routine commutes after the holiday stretch, prices jumped.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The Le Bop Marcella Barrel Pants fit the bill, featuring a stylish cropped length, horseshoe silhouette, and discreet covered elastic waistband.—
Irene Richardson,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Look for models with a telescoping handle that is long enough to reach the wall when fully extended, and that can be retracted to a shorter length for easy storage.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Expanse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expanse. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
