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
The beloved author of The Fault in Our Stars is also a tireless public health advocate, as evidenced by his extensive research for this new book about the world’s deadliest curable disease.
—
Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025
Every homeowners insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2025
The extensive portfolio of Shalom Baranes Associates includes renovations on the Pentagon, the Interior Department, and the American Red Cross headquarters, among many other projects.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 4 Dec. 2025
Frieson abruptly pulled off a towel that covered her, displaying the extensive injuries.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extensive
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Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025
Every homeowners insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2025
The extensive portfolio of Shalom Baranes Associates includes renovations on the Pentagon, the Interior Department, and the American Red Cross headquarters, among many other projects.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 4 Dec. 2025
Frieson abruptly pulled off a towel that covered her, displaying the extensive injuries.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extensive
Cite this Entry
“Extensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extensive. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.
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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