distances 1 of 2

noun

plural of distance
1
as in lengths
the space or amount of space between two points, lines, surfaces, or objects the distance between the earth and the sun is about 93 million miles

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in expanses
a wide space or area a region marked by great, featureless distances

Synonyms & Similar Words

distances

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of distance
1
as in retreats

Related Words

Dissimilar Words
2
as in ditches

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 distances
Noun
The data illustrates how sharks can cover vast distances in a year, said Bradley Peterson, the Stony Brook University marine scientist working with Metzger this particular day. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 In comparison, the AIM-120 AMRAAM weighs about 335 pounds, underscoring the size of the propulsion system needed to propel the LRAAM to extreme distances. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2026 To study dark energy, Roman will measure how gravity bends light across large cosmic distances — creating a 3D map of dark matter in the process. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 Larger drones operating farther behind Russian lines can strike targets at greater distances, while aircraft deliver glide bombs against fortified positions and other high-value targets. — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 The approach, developed by a team led by researchers from York University in Toronto, could improve how humanoid robots judge distances, recognize object orientation, and navigate complex environments. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 And if the Picklejus is as resilient as intended over extreme distances, runners wearing the model won’t need to turn to a tart swig or any other remedies. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 Waymo’s own analysis compares its autonomous-driving performance with human-driver benchmarks over equivalent distances in the same operating areas. — Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026 Max Scherzer may be the last starter in baseball who continues to run distances after pitching to maintain strong endurance on the mound. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distances
  1. lengths
  2. expanses
  3. retreats
  4. ditches
  5. spacings
  6. expansions
  7. recedes
  8. deserts
Noun
  • Cooler weather calls for longer lengths (though bobs are still très chic and very much welcome) and warmer, richer color.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026
  • While previous investigators had gone to great lengths to look into the victim’s dentures, cold case procedure requires the investigator to start the case fresh.
    — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of lengths
Noun
  • Pale stone, dramatically veined marble, warm wood and expanses of mirror are found throughout the flagship, with linear lighting integrated into ceilings and fixtures.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Curving terraces wrap around the structure, while large expanses of glass provide sweeping views over the landscape.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of expanses
Verb
  • Havelock neither retreats to the closet nor holds out hope for resolution via vigilante justice.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • With the bulk of his work at practice done for the day, Achord retreats to the back of the end zone with Koonz, squatting and scribbling something on paper.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of retreats
Verb
  • Like the Pro series, the Pixel 11 ditches the Pixel 10's forward-facing metal trim and goes fully black instead.
    — Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Our shortcut version also ditches the eggs for mayonnaise and adds in capers for extra briny punch.
    — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 July 2026
Definition of ditches
Noun
  • Several spacings and gaps were potential vermin entrances including spacing and gaps between floor boards, a vertical air gap along double front doors and on the ceiling above the ice cream chest freezer in the retail aisle.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado Updated January 23, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • More distant spacings will leave gaps in the bed.
    — Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2025
Definition of spacings
Noun
  • The expansions at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids and Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital are focused on two fast-growing regions of Michigan.
    — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • As artificial intelligence usage increases rapidly, data center construction and expansions are rising to meet the need at the same time there is rising bipartisan concern locally and nationally about that growth.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of expansions
Verb
  • Desertification, a process where vegetation recedes because of high heat and low rainfall, threatens much of the Great Hungarian Plain.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Aromas grow more tannic with time as the fruit recedes into the background—except for apricot, which remains pronounced throughout.
    — David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of recedes
Verb
  • The lowland deserts with cacti and catclaw brush are Gambel’s quail habitat.
    — Ron Spomer, Outdoor Life, 19 Aug. 2026
  • And a $208 million Rural Health Transformation award now lets Arkansas confront the maternity care deserts the national conversation overlooks—because when the nearest delivery unit is an hour away, distance itself is a risk factor.
    — John Boozman, Time, 23 June 2026
Definition of deserts

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distanced
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Cite this Entry

“Distances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distances. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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