extensive

adjective

ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv How to pronounce extensive (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Miller, who had written only a brief outline at this point, wanted to visualize the film and effectively created an extensive graphic novel in the process. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 But if there’s an old-world atmosphere here, the amenities are also firmly up to date: there’s a surprisingly extensive list of complimentary activities on offer, from pasta-making classes to painting lessons. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 9 July 2025 The liner notes for the album contain extensive interviews with Stone as well as the other original members of the Family Stone. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025 Melvin Doyle, meanwhile, has an extensive criminal record dating back to his late teens. Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for extensive

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extensive was in 1604

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Cite this Entry

“Extensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extensive. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

extensive

adjective
ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv How to pronounce extensive (audio)
: having wide or large extent
extensively adverb
extensiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on extensive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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