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 Misogyny and the classics, as Mary Beard and many others have pointed out, is a capacious topic. Literary Hub, 23 July 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 Paré-Poupart’s hyperactive, genre-mixing writing suggests that writing about contemporary labor and its place in consumer societies may benefit from being associative and capacious. Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 18 June 2026 But the book’s gaze is capacious and at times wayward. Rachel Vorona Cote, Vulture, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for capacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capacious
Adjective
  • There’s truly not a bad suite on the isle, but the second-story Island Premier Suites, which showcase the top views and provide a spacious 1,020-square-foot suite to enjoy them, is a standout.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Update your day-to-day looks with smooth leather bags in fall colors, keep your essentials close with compact crossbody bags, and carry everything at once with spacious totes that can fit laptops and more with room to spare.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The calm guest bedrooms all spill onto patios or balconies, while a bunkroom with double beds offers ample space for both children and adults.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 18 Aug. 2026
  • More than a third of them are in Texas, where ample oil and gas resources and a historically forgiving regulatory environment had developers rushing to erect data centers as fast as they can be built and powered.
    Matt Day, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Capacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capacious. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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