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
Marcel Marceau became a global sensation with his signature character Bip the Clown, his expressive silence and artistic mastery transforming mime into a respected art form.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
His record suggests support for limiting state enforcement in expressive contexts without revisiting the underlying right to marry.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
And interestingly, there’s no resentment between the obsessive and the expressive explorers, Brown said.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025
Blomstadt has such a kind and expressive face, and the camera lingers on the different instruments in the orchestra, which is perfect for fuelling the imagination of a music-mad toddler.
—Hilton Als, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expressive
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Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
His record suggests support for limiting state enforcement in expressive contexts without revisiting the underlying right to marry.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
And interestingly, there’s no resentment between the obsessive and the expressive explorers, Brown said.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025
Blomstadt has such a kind and expressive face, and the camera lingers on the different instruments in the orchestra, which is perfect for fuelling the imagination of a music-mad toddler.
—Hilton Als, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 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 13 Nov. 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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