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
Besides the obvious, the positive benefits from space programs are extensive, including medical and technological breakthroughs that affect our daily lives in countless positive ways.
—
Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026
The New York Times published extensive analyses of the damage to communications infrastructure and bases throughout the region.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
Colabrese joins the Mets with an extensive background in elite sports and media leadership, most recently serving as CFO of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators.
—Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Prices on a range of consumer goods and services are already stubbornly high, in part from the impact of extensive global tariffs.
—Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extensive
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Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026
The New York Times published extensive analyses of the damage to communications infrastructure and bases throughout the region.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
Colabrese joins the Mets with an extensive background in elite sports and media leadership, most recently serving as CFO of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators.
—Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Prices on a range of consumer goods and services are already stubbornly high, in part from the impact of extensive global tariffs.
—Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 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 12 Apr. 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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