extensive

adjective

ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv How to pronounce extensive (audio)
1
: having wide or considerable extent
extensive reading
2
3
: of, relating to, or constituting farming in which large areas of land are utilized with minimum outlay and labor
extensively adverb
extensiveness noun

Examples of extensive in a Sentence

The storm caused extensive damage. an extensive series of tests
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The quarry was closed and a team of archaeologists carried out an extensive dig between 1964 and 1978. Sarah Durn, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025 Her academic credentials include published research in journals such as Nature Cell Biology and FASEB Journal, with extensive work on aging, nutrition, and disease prevention. Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025 Even so, Silksong's platforming challenges will likely trip up a lot of players without extensive run-and-jump gaming experience. ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2025 The studio has incorporated sleek low-slung proportions more often associated with sailing yachts into the motor yacht format, along with extensive use of glass. Katia Damborsky, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extensive

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extensive was in 1604

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Cite this Entry

“Extensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extensive. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

extensive

adjective
ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv How to pronounce extensive (audio)
: having wide or large extent
extensively adverb
extensiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on extensive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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