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

China for decades has cultivated an extensive network of ties across Latin America and the Caribbean, a region that encompasses more than 30 countries and 670 million people. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026

For an extensive listing of my well-over one hundred analyses and postings, see the link here and the link here. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

The calls for further investigation into the IEDC followed extensive media scrutiny of the agency in 2025, including an investigation from IndyStar that revealed a trio of IEDC insiders benefited from $180 million worth of no-bid contracts. —Joe Mutascio, IndyStar, 30 Jan. 2026

The Department has engaged in an unprecedented and extensive effort to do so. —Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 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