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

The park service website said the trail offers expansive views but little shade and no water other than a water filling station at the trailhead during the summer. — Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 20 June 2026

Organizers have promised an expansive Fourth of July celebration featuring a state fair, rodeo, and what officials have billed as a record-breaking fireworks display. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 19 June 2026

Matters only get more complicated when Alex has an even crazier idea than Ethan, requiring not one but two gender-expansive makeovers for the would-be college kids. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 June 2026

At its center was a 7,237-square-foot Arts and Crafts-style residence with seven bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, along with a private theater, library, massage room, and expansive ocean-facing terraces. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 June 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