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 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 The high bed positioning leaves a capacious garage down below for whatever campers are bringing along for the ride, and a passthrough door accommodates longer items like skis or surfboards. New Atlas, 25 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for capacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capacious
Adjective
  • Accessibility With ramps, spacious elevators, and three accessible rooms, the property is suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 May 2026
  • The tiny home includes a king-sized bed facing a floor-to-ceiling window, a small kitchenette, and a spacious bathroom with a luxurious rain shower.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Josh Brolin's Atlanta home includes this gourmet chef’s kitchen anchored by a large center island with ample storage, a casual seating area, and an eat-in dining space.
    Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • This vibrant yellow flower serves as the perfect ground covering for areas that get ample sun day to day.
    Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 28 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Capacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capacious. Accessed 5 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