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

Johnson’s expansive domestic agenda and escalation in Vietnam stood in sharp contrast to both. —William Muck, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026

This expansive site spans 111 acres and sits atop a rocky hill. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 23 May 2026

Given its more recent opening in 2018, the resort feels newer and brighter than many of AC’s legacy casinos, with an Exhale spa (rife with amenities), expansive rooftop pool deck, and one of the best beachfront locations in town. —Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026

The expansive Montauk Yacht Club is introducing new wellness options for the summer season, from a floating wellness cabana in collaboration with Elemis to a partnership with Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience. —Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 23 May 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