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

Banh mi, pho, vermicelli bowls, and an extensive boba and milk tea menu are all available. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026

His extensive stage résumé also includes Assassins, Proof, Cabaret, Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Into the Woods and, most recently, the Broadway revival of ART. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2026

An on-site spa and an extensive complimentary wellness program include daily yoga, Pilates, meditation, strength training, sound healing, and wellness workshops, but participation is entirely optional. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026

Bugatti Brandon Haw Architecture, which is designing this project and has extensive experience building residential towers, will incorporate Bugatti's signature C-line, the styling element that defines the side profile of its performance cars. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 26 Sep. 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