expansive

adjective

ex·​pan·​sive ik-ˈspan(t)-siv 

1

: having a capacity or a tendency to expand

2

: causing or tending to cause expansion

3

a

: characterized by high spirits, generosity, or readiness to talk : open

They grew expansive after dinner.

b

: marked by or indicative of exaggerated euphoria and delusions of self-importance

an expansive patient

4

: marked by expansion

especially : having a great expanse or extent : sizable, extensive

an expansive interpretation of the law

5

: characterized by richness, abundance, or magnificence

expansive living

expansive taste

expansively adverb

expansiveness noun

Synonyms of expansive

• extensive
• broad
• wide
• sweeping
• deep

Examples of expansive in a Sentence

He was unusually expansive at the press conference.

She was in an expansive mood.

The law was expansive in its scope.

a more expansive treatment of the topic

the hotel's expansive dining room

The house has expansive views of the valley.

Recent Examples on the Web

Motorola designed the phone to feel familiar when closed and expansive when opened. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026

Philadelphia, the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence, will host a Red, White & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade on July 2, two new galleries at the National Constitution Center, an expansive exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and a World Cup match on Independence Day. —New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026

Centered around a wood grill that fires up seafood and meat, along with an expansive bar, the 4,800-square-foot Ash and Agave is tapping into Cherry Creek’s business and pleasure-seeking community. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026

Best Restaurants Dexter's Restaurant Enjoy water views and dishes crafted by talented local chef Dexter Burris from his expansive terrace. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

expansive

adjective

ex·​pan·​sive ik-ˈspan(t)-siv 

1

: having a capacity or a tendency to expand

gases are expansive

2

: causing or tending to cause expansion

an expansive force

3

: being in a good or talkative mood

4

: having considerable extent : broad

expansively adverb

expansiveness noun

Medical Definition

expansive

adjective

ex·​pan·​sive ik-ˈspan(t)-siv 

: marked by or indicative of exaggerated euphoria and delusions of self-importance

a patient with expansive trends

expansiveness

-nəs 

noun