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

With 1,830 staterooms, a dozen dining options, 10 hot tubs, and an expansive gym, this is a big ship that feels like it. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026

Located on the western side of the Tetons, accessed via Idaho, Grand Targhee delivers consistent snowfall and expansive open terrain without the price tiering of nearby Jackson Hole. —Caroline Tell, CNN Money, 25 Feb. 2026

The elevated sales pitch, which is done by appointment only at the Wrigley Building, also features a video room for virtual tours of the stadium and an expansive bar for entertaining current and future seat owners. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026

New York Medicaid — among the most expansive in the nation — remains a lifeline for millions. —Stuart Appelbaum, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 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