expanses

noun

plural of expanse
as in expansions
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

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 expanses 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 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 Security Meets Style Expect larger expanses of glass, slimmer frames, and design that blurs the line between indoors and out. — Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2026 Then in the late winter, Mathon proposed rezoning all of its 188-acre Waterford Parkway South property, including the former airport’s runways and tie-down areas as well as large expanses of woodlands. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2026 And there are limited expanses of undeveloped coastal locations along the Gulf of Mexico and southern Atlantic Ocean in the United States. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026 The swamp's prairies are vast, watery expanses dotted with floating islands and stands of cypress and other trees. — Drew Kann, AJC.com, 20 July 2026 The property makes the most of its secluded setting, where guests get to explore the wide expanses of desert and winding riverbeds without encountering other safari vehicles. — Rebekah Peppler, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expanses
  1. expansions
  2. stretches
  3. plains
  4. distances
  5. lengths
  6. sheets
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
Noun
  • There have been periodic stretches when the Jayhawks were inactive.
    — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 31 Aug. 2026
  • In the years that followed, King made frequent visits to Murphy’s house, often for long stretches.
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of stretches
Noun
  • Tycho Crater is visible in the lower region of the lunar disk close to the shadow, while bright ejecta rays of reflective material brighten the darker lunar seas, where lava solidified to form basaltic plains billions of years ago.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Away from both sides of the road stretched rocky plains, dry and gray as parchment.
    — Leslie E. Tassell, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of plains
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, 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
Definition of distances
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
  • However, the action may not end at 11pm — deal sheets allow clubs to conclude signings two hours after the transfer window closes, provided the correct paperwork is submitted before the deadline.
    — Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Gen, forgetting her swollen wrist, perks up at the thought of having a new person to ruin sheets with.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of sheets

Browse Nearby Words

expanse
expanses
expansion
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Cite this Entry

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

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