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

3

: effectively conveying meaning or feeling

an expressive silence

expressive line drawings

expressively adverb

expressiveness noun

Synonyms of expressive

• eloquent
• suggestive
• revealing
• meaningful
• meaning

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

Lily-Rose Depp (born May 27, 1999, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France) is a French-American model and actress known for her emotionally expressive performances in the HBO series The Idol (2023) and Robert Eggers’s horror film Nosferatu (2024). — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026

In the 19th century, flamenco dancers began using the abanico as an expressive prop, as Cuban song and dance styles such as the guajira influenced the dance form. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026

The season’s biggest trends are comfortable, expressive, and accessible—which is where Amazon comes in. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 28 Aug. 2026

In 2025, the company released an immobile, expressive desktop robot called Reachy Mini. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for expressive

• aggressive
• compressive
• concessive
• depressive
• excessive
• impressive
• obsessive
• oppressive
• possessive
• progressive
• recessive
• regressive

Kids 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

Legal Definition

expressive

adjective

ex·​pres·​sive

1

: of or relating to expression

2

: serving to express or represent

expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment

expressively adverb

expressiveness noun