Definition of capaciousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective capacious differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of capacious are ample, commodious, and spacious. While all these words mean "larger in extent or capacity than the average," capacious stresses the ability to hold, contain, or retain more than the average.

a capacious suitcase

When could ample be used to replace capacious?

In some situations, the words ample and capacious are roughly equivalent. However, ample implies having a greater size, expanse, or amount than that deemed adequate.

ample closet space

When is it sensible to use commodious instead of capacious?

The meanings of commodious and capacious largely overlap; however, commodious stresses roominess and comfortableness.

a commodious and airy penthouse apartment

When is spacious a more appropriate choice than capacious?

The synonyms spacious and capacious are sometimes interchangeable, but spacious implies great length and breadth.

a spacious front lawn

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of capacious The veteran sideline reporter and member of FOX Sports’ A-Team braved the freezing temperature in Philly by swaddling herself in a capacious coat, which drew comparisons to a diverse array of notorious icons of warmth including Cruella De Ville, Jon Snow, emus, mob wives, pimps, and Ric Flair. Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 14 Jan. 2026 In other words, just as warfare and armed conflict have evolved away from armies lined up across national borders, the right to self-defense has to be read as being capacious enough to accommodate a military response to threats such as narco-terrorism. Sandeep Gopalan, Baltimore Sun, 4 Jan. 2026 Is making great art—which, in these films, has a capacious, allegorical quality—worth ruining your relationship with your kids? Susie Goldsbrough, The Atlantic, 28 Dec. 2025 D’Angelo’s talent was always more capacious than that label. Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 25 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for capacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capacious
Adjective
  • The layout includes a fold-away kitchen gallery with a wine rack, am entertainment area with an L-shape sofa that converts to a bed, a spacious bathroom with a stand-up shower, and a main sleeping area with a zero-gravity bed (a schematics image suggests the vehicle comfortably sleeps four).
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2026
  • There’s plenty of natural light, and the pine wood detailing keeps the space feeling spacious and uncluttered.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Indoors, a simple but well-appointed cabin space has ample room for a family or group of friends.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Administration officials have stressed that oil market disruption was anticipated in the Iran campaign, and ample backup plans laid that out.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 19 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Capacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capacious. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.

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