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

And in September, the mayor of Atlanta announced plans for new regulations governing the city’s extensive camera networks – including Flock cameras. — Graham Hurley, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026

The capability is particularly relevant to large-scale combat operations, where commanders must maintain awareness of developments across extensive areas and multiple domains, including land, air, maritime, space and cyberspace. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026

Ground has been broken for Phase 1 of the extensive Woodlawn Central project located just steps from Jackson Park and the Obama Presidential Center. — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Because of the lack of extensive historical records, folklore historians say true scarecrow scholars are scarce. — Victoria Hoffmann, Christian Science Monitor, 31 Oct. 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