expansive

adjective

ex·​pan·​sive ik-ˈspan(t)-siv 

1

: having a capacity or a tendency to expand

2

: causing or tending to cause expansion

3

a

: characterized by high spirits, generosity, or readiness to talk : open

They grew expansive after dinner.

b

: marked by or indicative of exaggerated euphoria and delusions of self-importance

an expansive patient

4

: marked by expansion

especially : having a great expanse or extent : sizable, extensive

an expansive interpretation of the law

5

: characterized by richness, abundance, or magnificence

expansive living

expansive taste

expansively adverb

expansiveness noun

Synonyms of expansive

• extensive
• broad
• wide
• sweeping
• deep

Examples of expansive in a Sentence

He was unusually expansive at the press conference.

She was in an expansive mood.

The law was expansive in its scope.

a more expansive treatment of the topic

the hotel's expansive dining room

The house has expansive views of the valley.

Recent Examples on the Web

That is especially true for Netflix, the largest of them all with the most expansive global slate among platforms. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

True Christians honor Christ’s teachings, as patriots honor America’s founding documents and the egalitarian, expansive spirit with which they were written. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026

The expansive flybridge is the signature feature of the new model, functioning as a fully fledged living space with two helm stations, a sheltered bar, and a spacious lounge. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026

Daly’s expansive history in Hollywood touched some of the most powerful institutions in the entertainment business, including CBS Entertainment, Warner Music Group, the Los Angeles Dodgers and, of course, Warner Bros. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

expansive

adjective

ex·​pan·​sive ik-ˈspan(t)-siv 

1

: having a capacity or a tendency to expand

gases are expansive

2

: causing or tending to cause expansion

an expansive force

3

: being in a good or talkative mood

4

: having considerable extent : broad

expansively adverb

expansiveness noun

Medical Definition

expansive

adjective

ex·​pan·​sive ik-ˈspan(t)-siv 

: marked by or indicative of exaggerated euphoria and delusions of self-importance

a patient with expansive trends

expansiveness

-nəs 

noun