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

Truelove has an extensive rap sheet in the state of Virginia, where court records show he was also accused of trespassing, destruction of property, making bomb threats and multiple probation violations. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

The 28-year-old has been in music for a long time, both as an artist as well as a producer-songwriter with an extensive list of collaborators throughout his career. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 July 2026

Lane 1 is open to commercial launch providers without requiring extensive certification and oversight from the Space Force. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 20 July 2026

Kawata said most local residents supported her and colleagues encouraged her to take the leave, but she was disappointed by some online criticism that came with the extensive media coverage of her leave. — Reuters, NBC news, 20 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