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

Wood received extensive rehabilitation but died a year after the shooting. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 21 Feb. 2026

Since then, teams have pushed the vehicle through extensive autonomy testing. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026

The Paiza Collection’s 160 butlers go through an extensive training program, and what that produces isn’t just robotic precision but also a culture of genuinely warm hospitality. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026

That calculus now also has to factor in the return of Herro, who also has spent extensive time at point guard over his Heat career. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 Feb. 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