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
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
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
Since being established in 2008, the Kering Foundation supports local organizations that provide comprehensive services to victims of violence and prevention initiatives.
—Leia Mendoza, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
The new multidisciplinary platform is a treasure trove of information and includes a comprehensive, accredited training program, the Perimenopause Certificate.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 4 Sep. 2025
While the popular story highlights a federal civil rights victory, a more comprehensive examination reveals the triumph of white resistance, the failures of sustained federal oversight, and the longer history of Black student courage and activism.
—Time, 4 Sep. 2025
The researchers believe their findings offer a more comprehensive understanding of how mountains are built and could be applied to other regions.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for comprehensive
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Leia Mendoza, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
The new multidisciplinary platform is a treasure trove of information and includes a comprehensive, accredited training program, the Perimenopause Certificate.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 4 Sep. 2025
While the popular story highlights a federal civil rights victory, a more comprehensive examination reveals the triumph of white resistance, the failures of sustained federal oversight, and the longer history of Black student courage and activism.
—Time, 4 Sep. 2025
The researchers believe their findings offer a more comprehensive understanding of how mountains are built and could be applied to other regions.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for comprehensive
Cite this Entry
“Comprehensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comprehensive. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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