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

Six of the seven individual plaintiffs were ultimately found responsible for violating FIU Regulation 110, which bans protests and other expressive activities inside university buildings. — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

The music on the new record is vivid in its storytelling and unapologetically emotional, lyrical and expressive. — Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Prince George was the source of many memes as a toddler, while Princess Charlotte is relatably expressive at sporting events. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 11 Aug. 2026

Pitch a idea for a team huddle, and let your expressive style set a cooperative tone that moves decisions forward. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 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