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
Disgruntled colonists in taverns and town squares borrowed British melodies to support new lyrics expressive of a developing national consciousness.
—
Ted Olson,
The Conversation,
2 July 2026
The effect is personal, expressive, and quietly subversive, reflecting a growing desire to move beyond labels and toward individuality.
—
Genesis Rivas,
InStyle,
1 July 2026
So, bringing the expressive pads allowed people to experiment with making music by sliding their fingers across them, putting a snare in the middle and a rim shot around the edges.
—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
30 June 2026
The largest appellation in France's Northern Rhône has built its international reputation on expressive red wines, while its whites have quietly remained in the background.
—
Emily Cappiello,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for expressive
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Ted Olson,
The Conversation,
2 July 2026
The effect is personal, expressive, and quietly subversive, reflecting a growing desire to move beyond labels and toward individuality.
—
Genesis Rivas,
InStyle,
1 July 2026
So, bringing the expressive pads allowed people to experiment with making music by sliding their fingers across them, putting a snare in the middle and a rim shot around the edges.
—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
30 June 2026
The largest appellation in France's Northern Rhône has built its international reputation on expressive red wines, while its whites have quietly remained in the background.
—
Emily Cappiello,
Forbes.com,
30 June 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 5 Jul. 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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