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.
However, its extensive amount of green space hasn’t always been a reality for the city. Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2025 The Interview, Part One In this two-part discussion, Rockwell reflects on his extensive career and speaks to the many considerations that go into designing a restaurant. Sofia Perez, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 This characterization, which is usually reserved for drug cartels or mafia groups, enables the French police to deploy extensive investigative powers under French law, including wiretapping the personal devices of X employees. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 21 July 2025 To date, she is believed to have been abducted, but extensive investigations have failed to uncover any concrete evidence as to what happened or where her remains could be. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 20 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 26 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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