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
Adjective
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
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 June 2026
Even in recordings from the ’90s, Alfa displays a reserved but expressive personality, and a talent for fusing disparate sounds fluidly together.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026
Mishra described it as a culturally expressive artifact that holds beauty, heritage and emotional truth.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 15 June 2026
Harmony, balance, and structure come together in a rich, expressive bubbly.
—Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for expressive
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Adjective
And the foot was flexed – taut and expressive – not elegantly pointed as in classical ballet.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 June 2026
Even in recordings from the ’90s, Alfa displays a reserved but expressive personality, and a talent for fusing disparate sounds fluidly together.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026
Mishra described it as a culturally expressive artifact that holds beauty, heritage and emotional truth.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 15 June 2026
Harmony, balance, and structure come together in a rich, expressive bubbly.
—Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for expressive
Cite this Entry
“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressive. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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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