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 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 No, Tyla wasn’t toting a capacious carry-on bag, but rather, a small (and hot) designer purse from the 2000s, one that fellow stars like Rihanna and Zendaya frequently love to wear, too. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 7 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for capacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capacious
Adjective
  • Luxe touches abound–like spacious outdoor showers, or mosquito netting over the beds that comes with an integrated cooling system for those humid Caribbean nights.
    Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Away The Carry-on Despite being Away's smallest carry-on, this bag is spacious enough to hold five to seven outfits, two pairs of shoes, a toiletry bag, and other accessories.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, the posh dressing room, complete with a sitting area, is lined with tall wooden wardrobes providing ample space for storing everything from apparel to footwear.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Like many reality shows of its era, ANTM has ignited ample discourse on social media and elsewhere, with critics calling it exploitative and decrying the harsh criticism deployed by Banks and the judging panel.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Capacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capacious. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on capacious

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