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 Haaland’s expressive reactions on the pitch and his unique appearance have spawned hundreds of memes. — Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 13 July 2026 If recent seasons have been defined by understated dressing, the fall-winter 2026 trends mark a shift toward a more expressive approach to style. — Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 13 July 2026 Accented in delicate seafoam green and hazy orange stripes, the beachy colorway is neutral enough to fit more diffused palettes as well as more expressive color stories. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 13 July 2026 Participants will learn how to use pastel tints and expressive doodles to design ocean waves, seashells, coral, seaweed, and coastal plants. — Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for expressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expressive
  1. eloquent
  2. suggestive
  3. revealing
  4. meaningful
  5. meaning
Adjective
  • What’s far more eloquent is the episode with the witch Circe (a terrific Samantha Morton), whose habit of tricking and transforming men into animals is rendered in evocatively physical, body-horror-esque imagery.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 July 2026
  • After all, the eloquent document’s principal author, Thomas Jefferson, owned 600 slaves.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of eloquent
Adjective
  • The screenplay by Rasmus Birch and Kalle makes useful changes on that template, replacing crudely literal-minded aspects with more suggestive ones, paring dialogue to make room for effective visual storytelling.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026
  • Philip Marlowe as Chandler’s private eye is a smooth talking, whiskey-drinking character who tosses suggestive suggestions and 38 revolvers around with equal aplomb.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
Definition of suggestive
Adjective
  • Her performance is marked by a startling fearlessness regarding nudity and sexuality and outlandishly revealing outfits.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
  • The program’s final years—from institutional life support through its 18-month postmortem—offer a revealing case study in the challenges and self-defeating dynamics that have emerged for a growing number of non-revenue college sports teams.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of revealing
Adjective
  • His catalog has aged remarkably well, continuing to find new listeners while remaining deeply meaningful to longtime fans.
    — Jamie Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • Designed as a retreat from the pace of daily life, the experience reflects Waldorf Astoria’s enduring commitment to intuitive service and personalized hospitality—anticipating guests’ needs while creating space for meaningful pause.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
Definition of meaningful
Adjective
  • Yiaga’s degustation menu is distinctly Australian—meaning, inventive and collaborative.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • To see you as a newborn child and then to look at you and to know that every step along the way, to witness that journey, is the most meaning aspect of my life.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 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 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on expressive

Nglish: Translation of expressive for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about expressive

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