expansive

adjective

ik-ˈspan(t)-siv How to pronounce expansive (audio)
Definition of expansivenext
as in extensive
having considerable extent as the river nears the end of its long journey to the sea it becomes quite expansive in breadth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 expansive Cathedral ceilings and expansive hurricane-impact windows frame panoramic water views throughout the main living spaces, while a guest wing connected by a breezeway provides two additional bedrooms, its own living room, and a breakfast bar. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2026 Italy’s defense ministry transferred ownership to the town of Affi in 2018, and in 2022 the University of Florence endeavored on a study to map the bunker’s expansive reach. — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026 While her other records have similarly spread across genre lines, Blue Island is especially ambitious and expansive. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026 Race still mattered, but the boundaries of political belonging became more flexible and expansive. — Eladio Bobadilla, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expansive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expansive
  1. extensive
  2. broad
  3. wide
  4. sweeping
  5. deep
Adjective
  • There’s also an swanky Indian restaurant, Indian Accent, for authentic upscale dishes and an extensive global wine list.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Over the past few years, Boots has been delving into its extensive data to test and try products and began introducing stand-alone beauty retail concepts, the latest of which opened in Bristol earlier this month.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • Rather than occasional long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries, Ukraine is now carrying out frequent attacks on refineries, oil tankers, power substations and broader energy infrastructure, according to ACLED’s Polishchuk.
    — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Parnell said the push for speedier delivery was part of a broader modernization effort that predated the five-month-old conflict.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of broad
Adjective
  • My mom raves about Vuori loungewear, and there’s currently a pair of the brand’s airy, feather-soft wide-leg pants on sale for 25 percent off.
    — Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
  • About 40 Gullah Geechee still live on the island year-round in modest dwellings, such as cottages and single-wide trailers.
    — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of wide
Adjective
  • Senate Republicans originally proposed adding $1 billion in taxpayer security funding for the ballroom as part of a sweeping immigration and border security package in May, but ultimately dropped that provision after significant bipartisan backlash.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026
  • His surprising departure during ESPN's sweeping summer layoffs raised immediate questions about whether viewers had seen the last of him on the network.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of sweeping
Adjective
  • Massive walk-in bathroom with a rainfall shower and a deep bathtub.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Iván Herrera followed with an RBI double off of a Warren sinker, also to deep center field.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of deep

Browse Nearby Words

expansions
expansive
ex parte
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expansive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expansive. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on expansive

Nglish: Translation of expansive for Spanish Speakers

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