EXTENSIVE Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

extensive

adjective

ik-ˈsten(t)-siv

Definition of extensive

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

Relevance

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 Built to counter advanced Soviet submarines during the closing years of the Cold War, the Seawolf features a powerful nuclear propulsion system, advanced sonar, and extensive acoustic quieting measures. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026 Amazon declined to comment, but its Amazon Web Services dashboard has shown a disruption in the region since an initial April 30 attack on the data center, and satellite imagery showed extensive damage to the AWS facility. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026 The extensive prep helped Roth maintain a fun atmosphere on set in spite of the time pressures — something that was key to getting the best out of his cast of child actors. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 3 Aug. 2026 Some of them prefer to go via New York where many have extensive ties, including previously living there. — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extensive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extensive

Adjective

The broader Great American AI Act seeks one federal baseline, while antitrust and chatbot bills target risk-sharing, labeling and consumer deception.

— Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
The big retailers have also struggled in the past to capture a broader slice of the healthcare pie.

— Kevin Williams, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of broad

Adjective

Enterprise Mobility offers a sweeping sustainability program, including a carbon offset option that allows customers to purchase carbon credits from third-party partner Terrapass at the time of rental.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
China has now codified that drive in a sweeping new ethnic unity law, which came into force July 1.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of sweeping

Adjective

The pair ended practice with a touchdown off a deep toss from Young to McMillan with Jackson, again, in coverage.

— Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
In an era dominated by physical defenders, Baresi distinguished himself through his reading of the game, redefining the sweeper role by combining defensive authority with the ability to launch attacks from deep.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026

Definition of deep

Adjective

The expansive menu includes dozens of items ranging from Rosemary Infused Gruyere Mac & Cheese and Black Mussels Opal Basil for appetizers to French Pot Roast and Pork Osso Bucco for dinner.

— Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
In fact, the root system of a mature tree is often two to four times the diameter of the tree’s crown, which means those expansive roots are quite likely taking up residence on your side of the property line.

— Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of expansive

Adjective

Contreras returning to the lineup for Sunday’s series finale or some time soon afterwards would be huge for the Red Sox, who can’t afford to be without his bat for an extended period of time.

— Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 2 Aug. 2026
Arsenal responded quickly, with Dowman scoring a goal that was viewed as controversial by the home fans as one of their players was down injured for an extended period of that passage of play.

— Art de Roché, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of extended

Adjective

However, du Plessis identifies the crucial challenge of expanding beyond the South Asian diaspora, advocating for widespread visibility in American culture and integrating cricket into schools to foster new fans and local talent.

— Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Although temperatures will fluctuate in the coming days, there is no widespread or lasting break from the heat in sight, with highs well into the 30s Celsius (86-104 F) expected across much of Japan.

— Yumi Asada, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of widespread

Browse Nearby Words

extensions

extensive

extensively

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Extensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extensive. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of extensive

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on extensive

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

torpor

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes