extensive

adjective

ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv How to pronounce extensive (audio)
1
: having wide or considerable extent
extensive reading
2
3
: of, relating to, or constituting farming in which large areas of land are utilized with minimum outlay and labor
extensively adverb
extensiveness noun

Examples of extensive in a Sentence

The storm caused extensive damage. an extensive series of tests
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This can reduce time needed for extensive wind tunnel testing or large-scale computer simulations. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025 In addition, millions of low-income Americans are likely to see massive cuts and extensive delays in their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits because of the White House’s refusal to fully fund the program during the shutdown. Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2025 That's led to staffing shortages and extensive delays at some airports, raising concerns about more widespread travel chaos if the shutdown continues. The Npr Network, NPR, 6 Nov. 2025 For example, in one platform’s presentation, none of the content demonstrated was localized into English, and video clips shown were not stripped of the extensive Japanese text overlays that are a hallmark of Japanese television, despite the platform being meant for international producers. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extensive

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extensive was in 1605

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Cite this Entry

“Extensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extensive. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

extensive

adjective
ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv How to pronounce extensive (audio)
: having wide or large extent
extensively adverb
extensiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on extensive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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