expressive

adjective

ik-ˈspre-siv How to pronounce expressive (audio)
Definition of expressivenext
as in eloquent
clearly conveying a special meaning (as one's mood) the teacher's expressive sigh showed that she had heard that excuse many times before

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 expressive Fashion lost Mackie back in September, and the late designer—known for his impeccable, expressive glitz—was responsible for dressing everyone from Cher to Carol Burnett. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026 The director Pam MacKinnon even has cast the perfect lead actress as that mom in the richly expressive Katrina Lenk. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026 Gastrotypographicalassemblage is an approximately eight-by-thirty-four-foot wooden mural composed mostly of culinary terms set in expressive three-dimensional typefaces. — Alec Mapes-Frances, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026 This is the art of combining multiple patterns and prints, allowing homeowners to curate spaces that feel both personal and expressive. — Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 1 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expressive
  1. eloquent
  2. suggestive
  3. revealing
  4. meaningful
  5. meaning
Adjective
  • Amid all its chatter, Gray has found the space to let images be eloquent, too.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Baitz’s verbal gymnastics aren’t a good fit for Harris, who is at his most eloquent when his characters are at a loss for words.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of eloquent
Adjective
  • The effect dissipates somewhat whenever Cahyono resorts to less suggestive, more blatantly surreal imagery.
    — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Though revealing, his version of naked dressing was tantalizingly suggestive rather than explicitly bare.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of suggestive
Adjective
  • Both parties also offer a revealing snapshot of the societies that threw them.
    — Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The woman known for her killer body and revealing outfits did have a request, however.
    — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of revealing
Adjective
  • But the screens on almost all of United’s aircraft are significantly bigger than any phone's display, which could make a meaningful difference when watching the video podcasts that Spotify added to its repertoire in 2020.
    — Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
  • This upcoming milestone 40th presentation will mark an especially meaningful moment in the American Cinematheque’s history, celebrating both the remarkable legacy of the award and the organization’s enduring contributions to cinema.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of meaningful
Adjective
  • From that point on, Kusama’s absorbing and fresh art, once charged by avant-garde energies, became more or less a meaning-free expression of market principles, an exercise in branding.
    — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Yiaga’s degustation menu is distinctly Australian—meaning, inventive and collaborative.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Definition of meaning

Browse Nearby Words

expressions
expressive
expressiveness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expressive. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on expressive

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about expressive

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