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

When playing together, the two soloists — both expert — never slipped out of rhythmic and generously expressive sync, but Hoopes’ violin sounded steely when pressed. —Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026

My jeans may be the most constant in my closet–reliable, expressive, and endlessly remixable. —Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026

Research supports expressive writing as a tool for reducing pre-sleep cognitive arousal. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026

Dara, played by the delightfully expressive Caoilfhionn Dunne, has given up most things to care for her aging mother. —Anna Russell, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 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