extensive
adjective
ex·ten·sive
ik-ˈsten(t)-siv 
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
Built around an unparalleled selection of perfectly charred steaks and chops, the menu doesn't end with meat - an extensive raw bar, plus iconic entrees like the Twin Lobster Tails and Shrimp & Crab Louie, pair perfectly with classic cocktails like martinis and Manhattans.
—
Courtney Cherry, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
The company conducts extensive background checks on drivers, including criminal history, driving violations and civil suits, Uber’s attorneys said.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
Successful leverage of the First Sale doctrine can significantly reduce tariff costs, though companies will need to meet the stringent conditions of the rule and provide extensive documentation of all transactions to CBP.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
Wide stretches are undeveloped, with limited road access and extensive trail networks.
—Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extensive
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Courtney Cherry, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
The company conducts extensive background checks on drivers, including criminal history, driving violations and civil suits, Uber’s attorneys said.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
Successful leverage of the First Sale doctrine can significantly reduce tariff costs, though companies will need to meet the stringent conditions of the rule and provide extensive documentation of all transactions to CBP.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
Wide stretches are undeveloped, with limited road access and extensive trail networks.
—Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extensive
Cite this Entry
“Extensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extensive. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
extensive
adjective
ex·ten·sive
ik-ˈsten(t)-siv
: having wide or large extent
extensively
adverb
extensiveness
noun
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