extensive

adjective

ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv 

1

: having wide or considerable extent

extensive reading

2

: extensional

3

: of, relating to, or constituting farming in which large areas of land are utilized with minimum outlay and labor

extensively adverb

extensiveness noun

Synonyms of extensive

• broad
• wide
• sweeping
• comprehensive
• deep
• expansive
• extended
• widespread

Examples of extensive in a Sentence

The storm caused extensive damage.

an extensive series of tests

Recent Examples on the Web

President Sheinbaum’s prerequisite about a system to monitor aquifer integrity may find learnings in an extensive surveillance of producing wells and water wells in coalbed methane plays in Australia, which has been documented. — Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Dozens of people have died in Riselralda, a department in the heart of the Coffee Axis, and cities throughout the region have reported extensive damage. — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026

The talks were extensive enough that the Braves and Rangers had the structure of a deal in place, which is why Texas approached him for approval. — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026

The water park reopened July 31 after undergoing extensive renovations. — Abby Dodge, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for extensive

• defensive
• expensive
• intensive
• offensive
• ostensive
• prehensive
• suspensive
• antihypertensive
• apprehensive
• coextensive
• comprehensive
• hypertensive

Kids Definition

extensive

adjective

ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv 

: having wide or large extent

extensively adverb

extensiveness noun