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 Baizhan studied to become a ballerina but fell in love with ceramics for its expressive freedom. — Yulia Denisyuk, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Oct. 2026 But animation is just so much more expressive, so much more information can be carried through color and line size and boldness and the kind of unreal physicality that nonetheless conveys real emotion. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026 As always, Howerton is the cast MVP, with his elastic, expressive face selling all of probable-serial killer Dennis’s most hyperbolic reactions. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026 By evening, the Moon enters Sagittarius and your energy gets lighter and more expressive. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expressive
  1. eloquent
  2. suggestive
  3. revealing
  4. meaningful
  5. meaning
Adjective
  • 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
  • One fascination of this brave book—brave in its disclosures but more so in its demands, its spiritual rigor, and its ardent intellectualism—lies in watching the eloquent, intelligent sufferer steadily entrapping herself.
    — James Wood, New Yorker, 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
  • Eventually, in 1914, Jo succeeded in publishing Vincent’s letters in an ambitious three-volume book, which today is considered one of the most revealing and important works of art history.
    — Joan Martelli, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
  • There were bras, corset details, slip dresses and sheer layers across several collections — the most interesting interpretations weren’t necessarily the most revealing.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of revealing
Adjective
  • Reintroducing Collection was a significant milestone for Calvin Klein, and Veronica’s exceptional talent and fresh perspective on Calvin’s iconic design codes helped build meaningful momentum for Collection.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • It is earned through consistent actions, meaningful relationships and genuine human connection.
    — Kate Barton, Fortune, 15 Oct. 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 22 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on expressive

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about expressive

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