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

• broad
• deep
• expansive
• extended
• far-flung
• far-reaching
• rangy
• sweeping
• wide
• wide-ranging
• widespread

Examples of extensive in a Sentence

The storm caused extensive damage.

an extensive series of tests

Recent Examples on the Web

No Ju-han—Netflix If the VIPs were Season 1’s sour note, then in Season 2, slow-moving side plots set among the guards and the search party looking for Squid Game Island provided less jarring but more extensive distractions from the main event. —Judy Berman, Time, 27 June 2025

To drink, tableside martini service, an extensive wine list, and full bar, of course. —Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

Now, the Hornets play at the Spectrum Center in uptown, which is undergoing extensive renovations. —Katie Black, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2025

His injuries left him unable to work, leading to financial woes that were exacerbated by extensive hospital bills for medical care, diagnostic tests and therapy, Moore wrote. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1604, 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