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

The authors say the findings need to be confirmed through larger and more extensive prospective studies, which can be particularly important because the research examines an observational association. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

But in a lawsuit filed earlier last March, Guede’s company claims progress stalled when the city’s new environmental cleanup contractor reported the previous contractor had left extensive contamination untouched. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026

Ancil Hoffman Park in Carmichael is closed after vandals caused extensive damage throughout the regional park, according to Sacramento County officials. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Preserving those features while preparing the building for its new use required extensive work, Gutierrez said. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 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