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
Her expressive face is hidden behind heavy makeup for an appearance more wooden than an early Botox adopter.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
Isko aims to strike this balance by offering both expressive storytelling, versatile fabrics and lightweight options that fit easily into core programs.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 13 Oct. 2025
And the film’s intimacy throughout is amplified in the frequent tight close-ups of cinematographer Matthew Libatique’s expressive visual language.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025
Let’s draw some of it out for a deeper look, toy with it, take it into a new light with inventive and expressive projection.
—Pat Saperstein, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expressive
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Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
Isko aims to strike this balance by offering both expressive storytelling, versatile fabrics and lightweight options that fit easily into core programs.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 13 Oct. 2025
And the film’s intimacy throughout is amplified in the frequent tight close-ups of cinematographer Matthew Libatique’s expressive visual language.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025
Let’s draw some of it out for a deeper look, toy with it, take it into a new light with inventive and expressive projection.
—Pat Saperstein, Variety, 6 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 18 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
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