extensive

adjective

ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv How to pronounce extensive (audio)
Synonyms of extensivenext
1
: having wide or considerable extent
extensive reading
2
3
: of, relating to, or constituting farming in which large areas of land are utilized with minimum outlay and labor
extensively adverb
extensiveness noun

Examples of extensive in a Sentence

The storm caused extensive damage. an extensive series of tests
Recent Examples on the Web
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These tests, done through extensive bloodwork, measure everything from testosterone and environmental toxins to cortisol and insulin—almost 180 biomarkers get checked. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 14 May 2026 The makers of the Bayeux Tapestry (technically an embroidery) made extensive use of botanical imagery in their creation, with trees acting as both story elements and as punctuation between scenes. Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 14 May 2026 Paxton’s near decade of abuse of the office and neglect of its fundamental responsibilities has caused extensive damage that will take time and good leadership to repair and rebuild. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026 The company was formed in 2021 through the combination of Univision Holdings and the media, content, and production assets of Grupo Televisa, bringing together one of the largest libraries of Spanish-language programming with extensive distribution throughout North and Latin America. Bynick Tabor, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for extensive

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extensive was in 1605

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Cite this Entry

“Extensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extensive. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

extensive

adjective
ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv How to pronounce extensive (audio)
: having wide or large extent
extensively adverb
extensiveness noun

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