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 books’ capacious geography felt like a girlish form of manifest destiny. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 On the bag front, the pendulum has officially swung from mini bags to ludicrously capacious purses as the It-Girl accessory to have. — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 15 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 See All Example Sentences for capacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capacious
Adjective
  • Just outside of town, the handsome estate Orchard Hill Arrow Rock sits on five acres and has three spacious suites, all with en suite bathrooms.
    — Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The latter reached the Billboard 200 with its spacious and deep dreamy sound that intertwines guitar melodies and gentle Latin pulses driven by subtle percussion.
    — Cata Balzano, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • There is also ample storage, augmented by a big walk-in pantry.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The captor/captive dynamic is a good one and it’s given ample screen time.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Capacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capacious. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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