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

While the recent renovation shines throughout the property, the pool is on the smaller side—perfect for a quick refresh, though guests seeking a more expansive swim in San Antonio’s summer heat may want to plan around it. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026

The museum’s founders, Mark and Janet Hilbert, seeded the Chapman University museum from their own expansive collection, and Mark Hilbert regularly treats patrons to tours. —Heather McRea, Oc Register, 4 Mar. 2026

Fresh picks for spring abound, such as Carter's adorable Winnie the Pooh overalls and Bath & Body Works' Rapunzel spray -- part of its expansive Disney Princess collection. —ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026

As Hudson’s in-house stylists, O’Connell and Gropper are intent on making the brand’s expansive assortment feel approachable—leveraging video content to guide customers through it. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 4 Mar. 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