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

3

: effectively conveying meaning or feeling

an expressive silence

expressive line drawings

expressively adverb

expressiveness noun

Synonyms

• eloquent
• suggestive
• revealing
• meaningful
• meaning

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

Over the following decades, Jiménez brought his expressive accordion playing to collaborations with the Rolling Stones, Linda Rondstadt, Dwight Yoakam, and Ry Cooder, among many others. —Eric Torres, Pitchfork, 4 Aug. 2025

If growing up only led to debt and disappointment, why not stay suspended in a version of youth that felt more honest, more expressive, and frankly, more fun? —Alexandra Jane, Essence, 31 July 2025

Expect to be more magnetic, more expressive, and possibly… more indecisive. —Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 30 July 2025

When this happens, psychologists refer to it as expressive suppression. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 29 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for expressive

• aggressive
• compressive
• concessive
• depressive
• excessive
• impressive
• obsessive
• oppressive
• possessive
• progressive
• recessive
• regressive

Kids 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

Legal Definition

expressive

adjective

ex·​pres·​sive

1

: of or relating to expression

2

: serving to express or represent

expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment

expressively adverb

expressiveness noun