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

From the cruising altitude of aircraft like Melnyk's, high above the clouds and far from city light pollution, auroras can appear brighter, sharper and more expansive than from the ground, with clouds and city lights far below. —Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 21 Jan. 2026

These days, traditional definitions of masculinity are in tension with the need for a more expansive understanding of how to be a man in the world. —Outside Online, 21 Jan. 2026

Every bedroom will afford incredible valley vistas, but the primary suite will also feature an expansive balcony and dual bathrooms. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2026

For larger groups or extended stays, the two villas can connect, creating a combined residence of more than 19,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space—placing the Colosseum Presidential Villas firmly among the most expansive and exclusive hotel suites in Las Vegas. —Jill Schildhouse, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 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