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

Fire officials said the home sustained extensive damage from fire, soot, smoke, and water. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 14 July 2026

Left unchecked, these vulnerabilities can lead to costly water damage and much more extensive repairs. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 13 July 2026

Zero will now embark on an extensive sea trial period, during which her systems will be tested and validated. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 July 2026

The aging bomber fleet requires extensive maintenance, and only a small number of aircraft are configured to support developmental flight testing. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 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