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 This all-in-one can scan, copy, print, and fax in color and black and white, supports two-sided duplex printing, has a capacious 225-sheet input tray, and a 35-sheet automatic document feeder. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 May 2026 And any ludicrously capacious bags (as Succession’s Tom Wambsgans called them) are prohibited during gala screenings. Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026 Yet my overall impressions of the exhibition—as a public forum of address, redress, and dialogue in which critical questions of public memory, regional identity, ideologies of nationalism, and the capacious field of site-specific sculpture can, if not should be borne out—are decidedly more mixed. Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026 This is all in the first three paragraphs, and the breakdowns—a capacious category that, for Lemann, seems to encompass everything from rages to amiable fugues—do not let up. Brandy Jensen, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for capacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capacious
Adjective
  • Paired with a spacious carryall tote and comfortable walking shoes, these five pieces create a streamlined travel uniform that feels modern, timeless, and undeniably chic.
    Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026
  • Rooms All 53 rooms in the labyrinthine property are incredibly spacious with a wide variety of room configurations.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • The space is chic but cozy, with ample table space, soft chairs, and a visually stunning bar anchoring it all.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
  • With its dozens of screens and ample space, parties are welcome.
    Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Capacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capacious. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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