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
Additionally, new creative directors at major couture houses have brought new energies to their ateliers, introducing more expressive and emotional approaches to fashion.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 June 2026
By June 13, Venus will sashay into theatrical Leo, shifting relationship dynamics from tender and private to bold and expressive.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
That 25% rye firmly places it in the high-rye camp, while the Texas climate accelerates maturation, yielding a more expressive profile.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Venus enters Leo on June 13, followed by a new moon in Gemini on June 14, together sparking a more social, expressive, and outward-facing chapter.
—Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 May 2026
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.
Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 June 2026
By June 13, Venus will sashay into theatrical Leo, shifting relationship dynamics from tender and private to bold and expressive.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
That 25% rye firmly places it in the high-rye camp, while the Texas climate accelerates maturation, yielding a more expressive profile.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Venus enters Leo on June 13, followed by a new moon in Gemini on June 14, together sparking a more social, expressive, and outward-facing chapter.
—Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 May 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 7 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
