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 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 avenue’s capacious sidewalks were narrowed by nearly eight feet each to make way for two more lanes of car traffic. Sam Schwartz, New York Daily News, 22 July 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
  • The main residence begins on the second floor with an 80-foot-long great room, the spacious setting for all those Holbrook family holidays and fundraisers.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The 250 guest rooms range in category from small Crash Pad and Cosy to spacious Heritage rooms with canopy beds.
    Mae Hamilton, AFAR Media, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There is ample research showing that affectionate touch can reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure and enhance feelings of attachment, providing a physiological foundation for connection.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • First-round rookie Colston Loveland should see ample targets from the second-year Williams.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Capacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capacious. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on capacious

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