expressive
adjective
ex·pres·sive
ik-ˈspre-siv 
1
: of or relating to expression
the expressive function of language
2
: serving to express, utter, or represent
… foul and novel terms expressive of rage.—
H. G. Wells
H. G. Wells3
: effectively conveying meaning or feeling
an expressive silence
expressive line drawings
expressively
adverb
expressiveness
noun
Examples of expressive in a Sentence
the expressive function of language
the teacher's expressive sigh showed that she had heard that excuse many times before
Recent Examples on the Web
Mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard brilliantly played the mischievous 6-year-old, supported by seven expressive vocalists, two choirs, and the ever-nimble orchestra.
—Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025
While the windsocks rise and flutter, the ropes that anchor them are equally expressive.
—Carmen F De Terenzio, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025
The lawsuit also challenges KU’s camping policy, which generally prohibits overnight camping except in limited circumstances such as athletic tailgating, arguing it is enforced in a way that suppresses expressive activity.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 18 Dec. 2025
Cut to the commercial shoot, starring a knockoff Emily and Mindy, the former doing the least-expressive line reading this side of Sydney Sweeney.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expressive
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Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025
While the windsocks rise and flutter, the ropes that anchor them are equally expressive.
—Carmen F De Terenzio, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025
The lawsuit also challenges KU’s camping policy, which generally prohibits overnight camping except in limited circumstances such as athletic tailgating, arguing it is enforced in a way that suppresses expressive activity.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 18 Dec. 2025
Cut to the commercial shoot, starring a knockoff Emily and Mindy, the former doing the least-expressive line reading this side of Sydney Sweeney.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expressive
Cite this Entry
“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressive. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
expressive
adjective
ex·pres·sive
ik-ˈspres-iv
1
: of or relating to expression
2
: serving to express
3
: full of expression
also
: openly expressing one's feelings
an expressive face
expressively
adverb
expressiveness
noun
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