* Confinement: This emphasizes the opposite of vastness and openness.
* Restriction: This emphasizes the opposite of freedom and unlimited space.
* Compression: This emphasizes the opposite of expansion and vastness.
* Compactness: This emphasizes the opposite of spaciousness and vastness.
* Narrowness: This emphasizes the opposite of wideness and vastness.
For example:
* Expanse: "The vast expanse of the desert stretched before them."
* Confinement: "The small, cramped room felt like a confinement after the open expanse of the beach."
It's important to consider the specific meaning of "expanse" in your context to choose the most appropriate antonym.