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.
Ten years after the death of the photographer Rodney Smith, his work is the focus of two exhibitions, and Rizzoli will release a book about his extensive career next month. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025 Spotify has announced an extensive partnership with all three major music companies (Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group and Warner Music Group), digital licensing company Merlin and distribution services company Believe to develop AI music products. Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025 The deal adds to the extensive pact that A+E Global Media struck with Ray last year. Michael Schneider, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025 Decisions to add new routes are based on extensive data analysis, not random chance. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 15 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 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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