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
H. G. Wells3
: effectively conveying meaning or feeling
an expressive silence
expressive line drawings
expressively
adverb
expressiveness
noun
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
In Little River, a former industrial pocket turned creative hub, Moniomi Design is leaning into something more expressive.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
Golden retrievers, known for their expressive faces and gentle demeanor, often become ideal candidates for this kind of viral humor.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Across the runways, designers took a more expressive approach to dressing—from sharp color blocking at Loewe, Prada, and Jil Sander, to striking monochromatic looks at Chanel, Ashlyn, and Balenciaga.
—Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2026
That meant figuring out how to make Rocky sound as expressive and excited as the character on the page.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expressive
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Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
Golden retrievers, known for their expressive faces and gentle demeanor, often become ideal candidates for this kind of viral humor.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Across the runways, designers took a more expressive approach to dressing—from sharp color blocking at Loewe, Prada, and Jil Sander, to striking monochromatic looks at Chanel, Ashlyn, and Balenciaga.
—Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2026
That meant figuring out how to make Rocky sound as expressive and excited as the character on the page.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expressive
Cite this Entry
“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressive. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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