expansive

adjective

ex·​pan·​sive ik-ˈspan(t)-siv How to pronounce expansive (audio)
1
: having a capacity or a tendency to expand
2
: causing or tending to cause expansion
3
a
: characterized by high spirits, generosity, or readiness to talk : open
grew expansive after dinner
b
: marked by or indicative of exaggerated euphoria and delusions of self-importance
an expansive patient
4
: marked by expansion
especially : having a great expanse or extent : sizable, extensive
an expansive interpretation of the law
5
: characterized by richness, abundance, or magnificence
expansive living
expansive taste
expansively adverb
expansiveness noun

Examples of expansive in a Sentence

He was unusually expansive at the press conference. She was in an expansive mood. The law was expansive in its scope. a more expansive treatment of the topic the hotel's expansive dining room The house has expansive views of the valley.
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.
The ballroom is slated to feature gold chandeliers, coffered ceilings and an expansive floor space, flanked by Greek columns and massive arched windows. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025 Throughout the year, beachgoers enjoy its rocky coves and expansive sand, as well as the cliffs and headlands that preside over its shorelines. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025 Bathrooms make a statement in black and white stone and expansive mirrors. David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2025 Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expansive

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expansive was in 1651

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Cite this Entry

“Expansive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expansive. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

expansive

adjective
ex·​pan·​sive ik-ˈspan(t)-siv How to pronounce expansive (audio)
1
: having a capacity or a tendency to expand
gases are expansive
2
: causing or tending to cause expansion
an expansive force
3
: being in a good or talkative mood
4
: having considerable extent : broad
expansively adverb
expansiveness noun

Medical Definition

expansive

adjective
ex·​pan·​sive ik-ˈspan(t)-siv How to pronounce expansive (audio)
: marked by or indicative of exaggerated euphoria and delusions of self-importance
a patient with expansive trends
expansiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on expansive

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