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 Soft, adjustable lighting, outdoor rain showers with peepholes framing the scenery, incredibly comfy poolside daybeds, super-crisp sheets, open-plan bathrooms with capacious closets—everything works, but nothing feels forced or superfluous. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026 Meanwhile, her longtime producer, John Parrish, weaves a wicker basket of folk rock that, despite its apparent simplicity, feels—maybe for the first time—capacious enough to hold all of Harding’s contradictions. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 23 Mar. 2026 Being a smaller, less powerful, and less capacious device, the iPad simply pales in comparison to the MacBook Neo on both memory and storage. PC Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026 This two-story house offers a capacious living environment with its five bedrooms and three bathrooms. Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for capacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capacious
Adjective
  • Bathrooms are spacious and finished in marble, with backlit mirrors and Le Labo products.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
  • The bedrooms all overlook the river, the public spaces feel spacious and relaxed, and the overall atmosphere has that old-world safari charm.
    Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Adjective
  • It’s made from breathable organic cotton, which offers warmth while still allowing for ample airflow.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
  • But investors are still betting that there will be ample room for new players to compete as the web reorients to serve AI agents who search on users’ behalf.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Capacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capacious. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on capacious

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