EXPANSIVE Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

expansive

adjective

ik-ˈspan(t)-siv

Definition of expansive

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

Relevance

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 Sauvage is expansive, elemental, and deliberately straightforward. — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026 For years, the incentives favored increasingly expansive regulation of speech. — Scott White, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 The president, in an expansive mood, greets them and guides them to their seats in front of the Resolute Desk. — Mark Danner, The New York Review of Books, 1 Aug. 2026 Angle for a corner room ending in 07 for expansive windows and sweet views of the lush parks surrounding the hotel, and Comerica Park, where the Tigers play. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for expansive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expansive

Adjective

Leading firms are actively recruiting professionals with extensive client-side experience to enhance service delivery.

— Will Johnson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Burke’s lawyers sought to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, questioning why investigators had not conducted more extensive testing, including DNA analysis, on certain items found in Burke’s home or on the exterior of his Tesla.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2026

Definition of extensive

Adjective

The broader Great American AI Act seeks one federal baseline, while antitrust and chatbot bills target risk-sharing, labeling and consumer deception.

— Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
The big retailers have also struggled in the past to capture a broader slice of the healthcare pie.

— Kevin Williams, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of broad

Adjective

Enterprise Mobility offers a sweeping sustainability program, including a carbon offset option that allows customers to purchase carbon credits from third-party partner Terrapass at the time of rental.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
China has now codified that drive in a sweeping new ethnic unity law, which came into force July 1.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of sweeping

Adjective

The pair ended practice with a touchdown off a deep toss from Young to McMillan with Jackson, again, in coverage.

— Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
In an era dominated by physical defenders, Baresi distinguished himself through his reading of the game, redefining the sweeper role by combining defensive authority with the ability to launch attacks from deep.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026

Definition of deep

Browse Nearby Words

expansions

expansive

ex parte

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Expansive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expansive. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of expansive

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on expansive

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

mitigate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes