expressive

1 of 2

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

3

: effectively conveying meaning or feeling

an expressive silence

expressive line drawings

expressively adverb

expressiveness noun

expressiveness

2 of 2

noun

ex·​pres·​sive·​ness

-sivnə̇s, 

-sēv- also -səv-

plural -es

: the quality of being expressive

Synonyms of expressive

Adjective

• eloquent
• suggestive
• revealing
• meaningful
• meaning

Examples of expressive in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

From sensual suiting to expressive gowns, the country is known for marrying artistic whimsy with craftsmanship. — Phil Oh, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026

Scorpio October 23 – November 21 Pleasure could become easier to access once the Moon enters Pisces and your expressive 5th house. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026

Research on expressive writing, published in PMC, has been shown to reduce rumination and help people process difficult emotions, which is the mechanism behind the short brain-dump practice. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026

Abrams has the kind of expressive face that can navigate a host of conflicting emotions. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for expressive

• aggressive
• compressive
• concessive
• depressive
• excessive
• impressive
• obsessive
• oppressive
• possessive
• progressive
• recessive
• regressive

Kids 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

Legal Definition

expressive

adjective

ex·​pres·​sive

1

: of or relating to expression

2

: serving to express or represent

expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment

expressively adverb

expressiveness noun