expressive

adjective

ex·​pres·​sive ik-ˈspre-siv 

1

: of or relating to expression

the expressive function of language

2

: serving to express, utter, or represent

… foul and novel terms expressive of rage.

—H. G. Wells

3

: effectively conveying meaning or feeling

an expressive silence

expressive line drawings

expressively adverb

expressiveness noun

Synonyms of expressive

• eloquent
• suggestive
• revealing
• meaningful
• meaning

Examples of expressive in a Sentence

the expressive function of language

the teacher's expressive sigh showed that she had heard that excuse many times before

Recent Examples on the Web

The sheer fact of filming fills a frame, even one composed with quasi-documentary plainness, with a plethora of details of narrative, expressive, aesthetic, intellectual, and historical import. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 July 2026

Hair, often dismissed as merely aesthetic, can be a key expressive tool in the right hands. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 9 July 2026

Over time, composers and performers also revealed its expressive side, with the double bass carrying melodies and handling dazzling solo passages. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 July 2026

Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse, known for her expressive vocals, died at age 27 from alcohol poisoning. — USA Today, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for expressive

• aggressive
• compressive
• concessive
• depressive
• excessive
• impressive
• obsessive
• oppressive
• possessive
• progressive
• recessive
• regressive

Kids Definition

expressive

adjective

ex·​pres·​sive ik-ˈspres-iv 

1

: of or relating to expression

2

: serving to express

3

: full of expression

also : openly expressing one's feelings

an expressive face

expressively adverb

expressiveness noun

Legal Definition

expressive

adjective

ex·​pres·​sive

1

: of or relating to expression

2

: serving to express or represent

expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment

expressively adverb

expressiveness noun