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
Synonyms
Examples of extensive in a Sentence
The storm caused extensive damage.
an extensive series of tests
Recent Examples on the Web
Networking opportunities: Influencers have extensive networks, which can open doors for the company.
—
Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 8 Apr. 2024
The contemporary Mediterranean-style manor, given an extensive refresh during the couple’s tenure, remains on the open market, asking $30 million.
—James McClain, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2024
To earn their spot, they are strongly encouraged to get extensive work experience outside the company, with some time abroad, and obtain a graduate degree.
—Byphil Wahba, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2024
While there is not extensive overlap between the two broods, some regions, especially in America's heartland, will experience a double-whammy of cicada occupation, experts told ABC News.
—Andy Fies, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2024
Bell said that undergoing extensive therapy in rehab helped shift his perspective on sharing his story.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2024
Exactly one year ago, Doral police officers participated in an extensive training session for a mass casualty active shooter drill at the same establishment where the shooting occurred, Lopez said.
—Sarah Dewberry, CNN, 6 Apr. 2024
Police continue search:For Nashville shooting suspect who has extensive criminal history
Veteran CB Cameron Sutton turns himself in weeks after domestic violence allegation Florida has 7 of top 10 most expensive neighborhoods in America.
—USA TODAY, 6 Apr. 2024
Pilot training programs are extensive and rigorous, according to Diamond, requiring years of experience navigating ships on the water, classroom simulations, and working under the supervision of licensed pilots.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN, 27 Mar. 2024
Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 8 Apr. 2024
The contemporary Mediterranean-style manor, given an extensive refresh during the couple’s tenure, remains on the open market, asking $30 million.
—James McClain, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2024
To earn their spot, they are strongly encouraged to get extensive work experience outside the company, with some time abroad, and obtain a graduate degree.
—Byphil Wahba, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2024
While there is not extensive overlap between the two broods, some regions, especially in America's heartland, will experience a double-whammy of cicada occupation, experts told ABC News.
—Andy Fies, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2024
Bell said that undergoing extensive therapy in rehab helped shift his perspective on sharing his story.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2024
Exactly one year ago, Doral police officers participated in an extensive training session for a mass casualty active shooter drill at the same establishment where the shooting occurred, Lopez said.
—Sarah Dewberry, CNN, 6 Apr. 2024
Police continue search:For Nashville shooting suspect who has extensive criminal history
Veteran CB Cameron Sutton turns himself in weeks after domestic violence allegation Florida has 7 of top 10 most expensive neighborhoods in America.
—USA TODAY, 6 Apr. 2024
Pilot training programs are extensive and rigorous, according to Diamond, requiring years of experience navigating ships on the water, classroom simulations, and working under the supervision of licensed pilots.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN, 27 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'extensive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near extensive
Cite this Entry
“Extensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extensive. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
extensive
adjective
ex·ten·sive
ik-ˈsten(t)-siv
: having wide or large extent
extensively
adverb
extensiveness
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on extensive
Nglish: Translation of extensive for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of extensive for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share