expressive
adjective
ex·pres·sive
ik-ˈspre-siv 
1
: of or relating to expression
the expressive function of language
2
: serving to express, utter, or represent
… foul and novel terms expressive of rage.—
H. G. Wells
H. G. Wells3
: effectively conveying meaning or feeling
an expressive silence
expressive line drawings
expressively
adverb
expressiveness
noun
Examples of expressive in a Sentence
the expressive function of language
the teacher's expressive sigh showed that she had heard that excuse many times before
Recent Examples on the Web
His other, more conservative but still expressive sets for RCA comprised a joint project with Coleman Hawkins, a recital of familiar bop tunes and a collection of standards.
—Chris Morris, Variety, 26 May 2026
Reimagined for guitar orchestra, these beloved classics take on a rich new sound through the warmth and expressive range of 40 guitars.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2026
What Clearer Management Looks Like The answer is not for managers to become emotionally expressive in every interaction.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
At Denim Première Vision in Milan last week, exhibitors challenged the conventions of traditional denim with innovations focused on expressive design.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for expressive
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Chris Morris, Variety, 26 May 2026
Reimagined for guitar orchestra, these beloved classics take on a rich new sound through the warmth and expressive range of 40 guitars.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2026
What Clearer Management Looks Like The answer is not for managers to become emotionally expressive in every interaction.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
At Denim Première Vision in Milan last week, exhibitors challenged the conventions of traditional denim with innovations focused on expressive design.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for expressive
Cite this Entry
“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressive. Accessed 27 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
expressive
adjective
ex·pres·sive
ik-ˈspres-iv
1
: of or relating to expression
2
: serving to express
3
: full of expression
also
: openly expressing one's feelings
an expressive face
expressively
adverb
expressiveness
noun
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