expanse
noun
ex·panse
ik-ˈspan(t)s 
1
2
: great extent of something spread out
an expanse of calm ocean
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
Under her latest alias, Angel Marcloid offers a beguiling collection of modular synth experiments that cycle between harsh textures and monochromatic expanses.
—
Maxie Younger, Pitchfork, 11 Feb. 2026
Nature lovers seeking fresh air and green open spaces will delight in the city’s location directly by the lake, in its abundant expanses of forest and parkland, and in its very own mountain, the Uetliberg.
—Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
To the bottom left is the urban sprawl of Milano — the second most populous city in Italy, while historic Verona sits to its right, close to the azure expanse of Lake Garda.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Bonhams, the international auction house, managed to find such a spread in a 42,000-square-foot space that is knitted from the lower floors of an odd collection of prewar buildings and razed lots, with pops of old brick walls and limestone interrupting expanses of sheer, contemporary glass.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expanse
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Maxie Younger, Pitchfork, 11 Feb. 2026
Nature lovers seeking fresh air and green open spaces will delight in the city’s location directly by the lake, in its abundant expanses of forest and parkland, and in its very own mountain, the Uetliberg.
—Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
To the bottom left is the urban sprawl of Milano — the second most populous city in Italy, while historic Verona sits to its right, close to the azure expanse of Lake Garda.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Bonhams, the international auction house, managed to find such a spread in a 42,000-square-foot space that is knitted from the lower floors of an odd collection of prewar buildings and razed lots, with pops of old brick walls and limestone interrupting expanses of sheer, contemporary glass.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expanse
Cite this Entry
“Expanse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expanse. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
expanse
noun
ex·panse
ik-ˈspan(t)s
: a wide space, area, or stretch
the vast expanse of the ocean
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