expansive

adjective

ex·​pan·​sive ik-ˈspan(t)-siv 

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

They 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

Synonyms of expansive

• extensive
• broad
• wide
• sweeping
• deep

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

Isla Jesucita provides secluded coves, tropical forest and expansive views across the estuary. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 24 July 2026

This year, Funko has a slew of convention exclusives, and even an expansive guide to keep track of them all. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026

The house, built in 1999, has become one of the show’s most recognizable filming locations, thanks to its expansive grounds and grand interiors. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 July 2026

Protect your youngsters with H&M's expansive line of cooling socks, clothing and more. — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 24 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

expansive

adjective

ex·​pan·​sive ik-ˈspan(t)-siv 

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 

: marked by or indicative of exaggerated euphoria and delusions of self-importance

a patient with expansive trends

expansiveness

-nəs 

noun