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
Complications become more expressive, simple watches become sharper, and even the most technical pieces take on a clearer point of view.
—Stephen Watson, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026
Childhood milestones, academic traumas, professional turbulence, emotional flashpoints, expressive behaviors, sensitivities, executive dysfunction and how all of these things impact relationships and day-to-day tasks are all covered in that discussion.
—Lucy Jones
april 11, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026
As the inspirational Moon glides into your 7th House of Allies, your expressive nature invites connection, and your generous spirit lightens tough conversations.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2026
Ray-Ban has that same energy — simple, expressive and easy to live in.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expressive
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Stephen Watson, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026
Childhood milestones, academic traumas, professional turbulence, emotional flashpoints, expressive behaviors, sensitivities, executive dysfunction and how all of these things impact relationships and day-to-day tasks are all covered in that discussion.
—Lucy Jones
april 11, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026
As the inspirational Moon glides into your 7th House of Allies, your expressive nature invites connection, and your generous spirit lightens tough conversations.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2026
Ray-Ban has that same energy — simple, expressive and easy to live in.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expressive
Cite this Entry
“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressive. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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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