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

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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 Sandy Proksa is an expressive arts specialist who worked with at least 10 of the dozens of artists represented in the exhibit, including the two who attended the opening, identified in the gallery only by their first names Mark and Velta. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026 The trend reflects a growing desire for fashion that feels expressive and practical. Lauren Fisher, Footwear News, 1 May 2026 Referee Danny Makkelie penalised the tackle, but then backtracked on the advice of VAR (as the ever-expressive Diego Simeone bounced around on the touchline, shouting for the officials to instigate a review). Phil Hay, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026 There are micro-twists within the major ones, expressive fillips that blend confessions and aphorisms, and grand reflections along with jousts of seductive wit. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expressive
Adjective
  • Rubio is one of the most eloquent, articulate, & incredibly capable statesmen of our times.
    Justin Papp, CNBC, 6 May 2026
  • Another eloquent defender of that idea was John Vasconcellos, an Esalen regular who served in the California legislature from 1967 to 2004.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But, in historic gold-rush regions, prospectors use it to identify disturbances in the landscape that are suggestive of former mining operations, in the hope of finding overlooked stores.
    Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • For another example of the interpretive and suggestive quality of verbs, let’s look at Patricia Highsmith’s The Two Faces of January.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Your closest relationships are entering a revealing and transformative chapter.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
  • As Mercury presses against Pluto, a conversation may feel more intense or revealing than expected.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2026
Adjective
  • In cardiovascular care, American innovation is giving critically ill patients meaningful additional time – time to recover, to return home, to lead fuller lives.
    Joaquin Duato, Fortune, 9 May 2026
  • The format works against meaningful, substantive discussions, especially when moderators ask for one-word answers.
    Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
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

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Cite this Entry

“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expressive. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

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