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 In other words, just as warfare and armed conflict have evolved away from armies lined up across national borders, the right to self-defense has to be read as being capacious enough to accommodate a military response to threats such as narco-terrorism. Sandeep Gopalan, Baltimore Sun, 4 Jan. 2026 Is making great art—which, in these films, has a capacious, allegorical quality—worth ruining your relationship with your kids? Susie Goldsbrough, The Atlantic, 28 Dec. 2025 D’Angelo’s talent was always more capacious than that label. Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 25 Dec. 2025 Angular and capacious, the tote also benefits from a range of trendy colorways. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 22 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for capacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capacious
Adjective
  • In order to create a spacious living room, the principals of A Place to Be used a storage unit to define the entry to this apartment, and closed the bedroom off with lush curtains.
    Giada Storelli, Architectural Digest, 7 Mar. 2026
  • The interior, although an array of plastic, was spacious and comfortable all while focusing on usability.
    Marc D Grasso, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Brownie points to the big compact, which offers ample room to swirl your brushes, tap, and swirl some more.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Gulf countries have strategic backup storage and ample financial resources to cover an emergency situation.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on capacious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster