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 And as was true with Winnie-the-Pooh, Paddington became a celebrity, with a capacious and long-standing franchise. Daniel Horowitz august 20, Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2025 For her part, Collins lugged around the most capacious version of the Y2K it-bag, similar to the ones carried by Kate Moss, Cameron Diaz, Lindsay Lohan, and Nicole Richie in the early aughts. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 17 Aug. 2025 Who said ludicrously capacious bags were only reserved for the Burberry owners among us? Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2025 The tote is crafted with GG canvas and features a capacious design with the Gucci Web trim, made further complete with a detachable pouch. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for capacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capacious
Adjective
  • Each suite showcases floor-to-ceiling windows and large balconies, resulting in an airy, spacious feel.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The case is spacious, with a mesh front panel that spotlights a pair of aRGB fans that keep everything cool, and the back panel has tons of ports.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • However, the designers removed the local locker feature as of July 1, 2025, giving customers ample time to remove their files from those lockers.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Choose an indoor location that gets ample light, such as a south-facing window.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Capacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capacious. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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!