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
There’s a little freedom to his hockey, an expressive, creative way of looking at it.
—Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Additionally, the mill offers experimental coatings and creative color treatments, resulting in bold and expressive takes on denim.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
Most protests occur in traditional public forums, which includes locations like public parks, public sidewalks and areas usually open for expressive activity.
—Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 17 Oct. 2025
Since then, Macdonald has been sharing videos of her on Instagram and TikTok, capturing the dog’s expressive reactions and playful personality.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expressive
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Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Additionally, the mill offers experimental coatings and creative color treatments, resulting in bold and expressive takes on denim.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
Most protests occur in traditional public forums, which includes locations like public parks, public sidewalks and areas usually open for expressive activity.
—Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 17 Oct. 2025
Since then, Macdonald has been sharing videos of her on Instagram and TikTok, capturing the dog’s expressive reactions and playful personality.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 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 23 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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