comprehensive

adjective

com·​pre·​hen·​sive ˌkäm-pri-ˈhen(t)-siv 

-prē-

1

: covering completely or broadly : inclusive

comprehensive examinations

comprehensive insurance

2

: having or exhibiting wide mental grasp

comprehensive knowledge

comprehensively adverb

comprehensiveness noun

Synonyms

• all-embracing
• all-in [chiefly British]
• all-inclusive
• broad-gauge
• broad-gauged
• compendious
• complete
• cover-all
• cyclopedic
• embracive
• encyclopedic
• exhaustive
• full
• global
• in-depth
• inclusive
• omnibus
• panoramic
• thorough
• universal

Examples of comprehensive in a Sentence

Natalie's every move was photographed, a documentation of a happy childhood as comprehensive as it was false. —John Gregory Dunne, New York Review of Books, 15 Jan. 2004

Inevitably, though, in so comprehensive an account, some important events and themes are cursorily checked off … —Isabel Fonseca, Times Literary Supplement, 29 Jan. 1993

Walcott proceeded to misinterpret these fossils in a comprehensive and thoroughly consistent manner … —Stephen Jay Gould, Wonderful Life, 1989

a comprehensive overview of European history since the French Revolution

a comprehensive listing of all the paintings generally attributed to the Dutch artist Rembrandt

Recent Examples on the Web

Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine introduced a comprehensive curriculum in digital health and data science, which includes practical applications of AI in clinical decision support systems, which have been shown to reduce diagnostic errors significantly. —Justin Ramsaran, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024

The paper was perhaps the most comprehensive look yet from inside a leading AI company at the constraints that should be placed on more autonomous forms of AI, and how companies should balance the sometimes competing demands of themselves, their users, and society at large. —Billy Perrigo, TIME, 5 Sep. 2024

This blend of professional expertise, comprehensive services, and a client-centric ethos solidifies Parker Austin's standing as a preeminent wealth manager, dedicated to empowering individuals and families to achieve their financial ambitions and secure their futures. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2024

Here's a breakdown of some of the most pertinent tech policy bills across the country: Artificial intelligence: SB 1047, California's comprehensive AI bill, is awaiting a possible signature from Gov. Gavin Newsom amid fierce pushback. —Ashley Gold, Axios, 4 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see comprehension

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing comprehensive

• comprehensive school

Kids Definition

comprehensive

adjective

com·​pre·​hen·​sive ˌkäm-pri-ˈhen(t)-siv 

: including much or all : full

a comprehensive course of study

a comprehensive list

comprehensiveness noun

Legal Definition

comprehensive

adjective

com·​pre·​hen·​sive ˌkäm-pri-ˈhen-siv 

: covering completely or broadly

a comprehensive insurance policy