expanse

noun

ex·​panse ik-ˈspan(t)s How to pronounce expanse (audio)
Synonyms of expanse
1
: firmament
2
: great extent of something spread out
an expanse of calm ocean

Synonyms of expanse

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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
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.
Official homeless counts show RV numbers plunging in this 400-square-mile expanse, but wild statistical swings and locals’ on-the-ground observations suggest serious miscounts and an illusory improvement. — Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Exhilarating, sublime, and unsettling, these installations—which often incorporate polka-dot balloons, pumpkins, LED lights, and soundtracks—immerse the viewer in infinite reflective surfaces, exploding even small spaces into an endless expanse. — Livia Caligor, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026 The umbral shadow will first appear as a small semicircle of shadow close to the dark expanses of Oceanus Procellarum (the Ocean of Storms) and Mare Humorum on the moon's southwestern edge, before swiftly spreading to swallow the nearby moonscape. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Wetter than normal weather is possible for a wide expanse of the US, including Southern California, the entire southern tier states and even the East Coast. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expanse

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of expanse was in 1667

Rhymes for expanse

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Browse Nearby Words

expand on/upon
expanse
expansibility
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Cite this Entry

“Expanse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expanse. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

expanse

noun
ex·​panse ik-ˈspan(t)s How to pronounce expanse (audio)
: a wide space, area, or stretch
the vast expanse of the ocean
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