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

Johnson said that the animal caused extensive damage to his home, costing tens of thousands of dollars. —Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026

Over the intervening 25 years, the landscape across an 18,000-square-mile expanse, larger than the state of Maryland, has undergone an extensive reshaping. —Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026

When Utah implemented a similar, though more extensive, provision, schools recommended eliminating 270 programs across eight universities, according to the Foundation. —Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 9 Jan. 2026

The location now will be the largest store in Moncler’s global retail network, spanning more than 21,000 square feet across two expansive floors following extensive renovation. —Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 9 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