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
For those of us who have loved Carmen Maura since the first of her seven features with Pedro Almodóvar 45 years ago, watching her expressive face in Calle Málaga is its own wondrous reward.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025
Clinical leaders working with psychedelics could incorporate music‑based therapy, sound baths and expressive visual and vocal art for trauma, not as an add-on, but as tools on par with talk therapy.
—Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025
This was Swift's first and only voice role, which is a shame because her earnest, expressive delivery is perfect for children's media.
—Janey Tracey, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
Hats felt especially expressive, from the pillbox shapes that carried a whiff of mod elegance to the newsboy caps that revived a polarizing Y2K style.
—Minty Mellon, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expressive
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025
Clinical leaders working with psychedelics could incorporate music‑based therapy, sound baths and expressive visual and vocal art for trauma, not as an add-on, but as tools on par with talk therapy.
—Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025
This was Swift's first and only voice role, which is a shame because her earnest, expressive delivery is perfect for children's media.
—Janey Tracey, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
Hats felt especially expressive, from the pillbox shapes that carried a whiff of mod elegance to the newsboy caps that revived a polarizing Y2K style.
—Minty Mellon, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expressive
Cite this Entry
“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressive. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share