extensive

adjective

ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv 

1

: having wide or considerable extent

extensive reading

2

: extensional

3

: of, relating to, or constituting farming in which large areas of land are utilized with minimum outlay and labor

extensively adverb

extensiveness noun

Synonyms of extensive

• broad
• wide
• sweeping
• comprehensive
• deep
• expansive
• extended
• widespread

Examples of extensive in a Sentence

The storm caused extensive damage.

an extensive series of tests

Recent Examples on the Web

The skull distortion was so extensive that physical reconstruction wasn’t possible. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026

Treatments are extensive and popular with visitors and locals alike, so be sure to book ahead. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Mar. 2026

Rastrick, formerly of Tottenham Hotspur, has emerged as the leading contender to fill the vacant post after an extensive search process led by technical director Nick Cox. —Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026

Advertisement The government has also launched an extensive operation to bring home British citizens that are currently stranded in the Middle East. —Tiago Ventura, Time, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for extensive

• defensive
• expensive
• intensive
• offensive
• ostensive
• prehensive
• suspensive
• antihypertensive
• apprehensive
• coextensive
• comprehensive
• hypertensive

Kids Definition

extensive

adjective

ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv 

: having wide or large extent

extensively adverb

extensiveness noun