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

Every auto loan article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of loan products. — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026

Bears coach Ben Johnson’s offense uses extensive pre-snap motion to stress defenses and create opportunities for explosive plays on the ground and through the air. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026

The first trial of Payton and Dandrae Martin lasted weeks and included extensive testimony from police investigators, gang experts and the defendants themselves. — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Kolchin also cited extensive wildfires that had deprived some bears of their habitat as a compounding effect. — Arina Porkhovnik, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 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