Definition of capaciousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective capacious differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of capacious are ample, commodious, and spacious. While all these words mean "larger in extent or capacity than the average," capacious stresses the ability to hold, contain, or retain more than the average.

a capacious suitcase

When could ample be used to replace capacious?

In some situations, the words ample and capacious are roughly equivalent. However, ample implies having a greater size, expanse, or amount than that deemed adequate.

ample closet space

When is it sensible to use commodious instead of capacious?

The meanings of commodious and capacious largely overlap; however, commodious stresses roominess and comfortableness.

a commodious and airy penthouse apartment

When is spacious a more appropriate choice than capacious?

The synonyms spacious and capacious are sometimes interchangeable, but spacious implies great length and breadth.

a spacious front lawn

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of capacious The frankly enormous soaking tub in black-and-white tile and equally capacious steam shower share the room, though the toilet sits in a private water closet. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026 BookTok’s preferences may skew toward familiar beats and blunt-force sensation, but in Harpman the hive mind has alighted on something more capacious and slippery. Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 Fresh orchids brighten up each space, including the capacious bathroom stocked with Molton Brown toiletries. Wendy Altschuler, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026 Her public image was capacious enough that Rollerena could carry not only camp and sociability, but profound grief as well. Emilie Hardman, JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for capacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capacious
Adjective
  • There are also several spacious barns and greenhouses, many of them set up for entertaining.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The primary bedroom is spacious, with a generous closet and enough room for a seating area in front of the triplet windows, and the second bedroom feels like more than just an office or nursery.
    Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 7 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The new coaching staff needs time to evaluate, and Jarry, Andersen and Levi need to be given ample opportunity to play their way into (or out of) the starting job in goal.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • But as breathing slows in parts of Iran’s economy, ample oxygen will remain for the country’s elite.
    Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Capacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capacious. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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