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expanse definition

ex·panse (ek spans′, ik-)

noun

  1. a large, open area or unbroken surface; wide extent; great breadth
  2. expansion

Etymology: ME expans < L expansum, neut. pp. of expandere: see expand

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

expanse Synonyms

expanse

n.

breadth, width, length, extent, extension, reach, stretch, distance, area, belt, space, field, territory, span, spread, room, fairness, scope, range, compass, sphere, margin, sweep, remoteness, latitude, radius, wilderness, region, wide extent, continuous area, uninterrupted space, expanded surface, amplitude, immensity.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

expanse Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • moorland: The flush habitats are generally situated within expanses of grass moorland.

Converse of subject

  • separate: Through the tropics there are large areas of land, but they are separated by wide expanses of ocean.

Converse of object

  • overlook: The fort now overlooks a large expanse of grazing marshes to the west which once formed a great inland estuary.

Adjective modifier

  • vast: A vast expanse of sand with sand dunes behind.

Preposition: in

  • midst: One of these brilliantly white and level expanses in the midst of the brown and desolate plain, offers an extraordinary spectacle.
expanse usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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MLA Style

"expanse." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/expanse>

APA Style

expanse. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/expanse

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