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

However, Silt’s newest calf demonstrates that even extensive surveys can miss individual animals. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026

Kelce has an extensive automobile collection, and has been host to car shows in the past. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026

Laub also provided most of the gutsy wood frames for Ritts’s extensive photography collection of vintage prints. — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2026

Meanwhile, another member of Brooklyn’s young guard group is getting extensive work in the G League. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 8 Nov. 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