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
• 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

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

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