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

Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey are seeking extensive financial damages plus changes to how the company operates Facebook and Instagram. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

Every banking award is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of banking products. — Cnbc Select, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

Experts say Kim likely aims to use his enlarged nuclear arsenal to win major concessions like extensive sanctions relief. — Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026

The 20,000 screen Middle Kingdom release followed a high-profile Beijing promotional tour and secured an extensive Imax footprint across the country. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Aug. 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