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 of expressive

• 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

If a small team can build something playable and expressive enough to assess earlier, the expensive decisions can come later, when there is a much better sense of what works. — Ben Feder, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2026

Students and faculty shouldn’t have to finance years of litigation to enjoy the expressive freedoms their universities promise. — Ilya Shapiro, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026

Known for his instantly recognizable vocals and deeply expressive delivery, XIAOJUN offers listeners a warm, healing escape through his music. — Billboard China, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2026

That belief in the expressive possibilities of clothing would eventually take her to Tokyo and then New York, with formative experiences working for Yohji Yamamoto and Raf Simons during his tenure at Calvin Klein. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

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