expressive
adjective
ex·pres·sive
ik-ˈspre-siv 
1
: of or relating to expression
the expressive function of language
2
: serving to express, utter, or represent
foul and novel terms expressive of rage—
H. G. Wells
H. G. Wells3
: effectively conveying meaning or feeling
an expressive silence
expressive line drawings
expressively
adverb
expressiveness
noun
Examples of expressive in a Sentence
the expressive function of language
the teacher's expressive sigh showed that she had heard that excuse many times before
Recent Examples on the Web
Lyles, an average build for a sprinter at 5ft 11in (180cm), is loud and expressive.
—Liam Tharme, New York Times, 28 June 2025
When transiting the bold and expressive sign of Leo, the messenger planet takes on a more theatrical flair.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 26 June 2025
Men socialized to be less expressive—without women partners drawing said expression out—could make for a less chatty experience.
—Rich Juzwiak, Time, 25 June 2025
Because authors suing Anthropic did not allege that any of Anthropic's outputs reproduced their works or expressive style, Alsup found there was no threat that Anthropic's text generator, Claude, might replace authors in their markets.
—ArsTechnica, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for expressive
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Liam Tharme, New York Times, 28 June 2025
When transiting the bold and expressive sign of Leo, the messenger planet takes on a more theatrical flair.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 26 June 2025
Men socialized to be less expressive—without women partners drawing said expression out—could make for a less chatty experience.
—Rich Juzwiak, Time, 25 June 2025
Because authors suing Anthropic did not allege that any of Anthropic's outputs reproduced their works or expressive style, Alsup found there was no threat that Anthropic's text generator, Claude, might replace authors in their markets.
—ArsTechnica, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for expressive
Cite this Entry
“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressive. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
expressive
adjective
ex·pres·sive
ik-ˈspres-iv
1
: of or relating to expression
2
: serving to express
3
: full of expression
also
: openly expressing one's feelings
an expressive face
expressively
adverb
expressiveness
noun
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