extensive

adjective

ik-ˈsten(t)-siv How to pronounce extensive (audio)
Definition of extensivenext
as in broad
having considerable extent a rock hound whose extensive reading enables him to identify just about any rock or mineral

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 extensive Rockliffe’s new fine-dining restaurant Atlas is supplied by an extensive on-site garden blooming with faraway citrus varieties, fields of microgreens, and mushrooms. — Nicole Trilivas, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2026 Haworth slated Kari for a nose job, extensive facial plastic surgery, a breast reduction, and liposuction. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2026 The arena project has been the subject of extensive discussion among city residents and leaders, some of whom view it as a chance to establish a central gathering place for the city. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026 This, in fact, is the first extensive rehabilitation of an injury Knueppel has ever been through. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extensive
  1. broad
  2. wide
  3. sweeping
  4. comprehensive
  5. deep
  6. expansive
  7. extended
  8. widespread
Adjective
  • Russian media highlighted an even broader collection of technologies, including mass drone deployments, counter-drone systems, electronic warfare, precision weapons and mobile assault units.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Individually, the songs on Beat were largely recognizable in the broader indie rock world—post-rock and shoegaze live alongside torchy trip-hop and pure ambient.
    — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of broad
Adjective
  • Four of these angles implicitly frame the corners of a square, while a fifth seems to indicate a wider area around it.
    — Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The Trasks encounter a wide swath of citizens, haggling with sneaky cheats, exploiting innocent fools, and befriending big-hearted neighbors.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of wide
Adjective
  • The Ratepayer Protection Act, meant to prevent data centers from raising electricity prices, enjoyed sweeping support in the House from all but three Democrats while all but four of their colleagues in the Senate opposed it.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The Justice Department’s settlement proposal at the time sought sweeping changes to admissions, protest rules and other campus policies, including a public declaration that UCLA does not recognize transgender people’s gender identities.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of sweeping
Adjective
  • To prevent that outcome, Washington needs an equally comprehensive strategy — one that takes America’s biotech ambitions as seriously as China takes its own.
    — Patrick McHenry, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Media support is equally comprehensive, offering apps like Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and YouTube with 3D/VR enhancements, alongside Xbox Cloud Gaming.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • Democrats’ hopes rise in Texas Democrats are feeling newly optimistic about Texas, even in deep-red seats.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Later, Mars trines Neptune in your 8th House, making deeper reflection feel more intuitive than analytical.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of deep
Adjective
  • The Pentagon chief’s expansive needs only heighten some Republicans’ skepticism of his leadership over the US military.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Via Materdei 27/28 The expansive Enzo Coccia, the first pizzaiolo to obtain Michelin recognition and a true pioneer of the modern pizza movement in Naples, has three outlets on the same street in a non-touristy area of Vomero.
    — Nicky Swallow, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of expansive
Adjective
  • That makes the current setup more constructive than late May, when XLK was coming off a nearly parabolic two-month run and appeared much more extended.
    — Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026
  • One has autism and ADHD and has an Individualized Education Program that specifically addresses the difficulty of sitting still for extended periods.
    — Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of extended
Adjective
  • The most widespread outages were in counties along the coast from New Jersey to Connecticut.
    — Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The most widespread outages were along the New Jersey shore, New York's Long Island and coastal counties in Connecticut.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of widespread

Browse Nearby Words

extensions
extensive
extensively
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extensive. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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