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

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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 extensive Watching Wilco over the years helped give Spencer insight into why his dad’s unusual career required extensive time away. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026 The bullets that hit Shakur in the chest caused life-threatening injuries and extensive internal bleeding, the Los Angeles Times reported. — Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 The brand has launched an interactive digital archive featuring more than 100 hours of video from its extensive collection of 9/11 documentaries, including more than 20 hours of footage never before released to the public. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 The union later withdrew that measure, but only after the council struck a deal to require new hotel projects to go through a more extensive approval process at City Hall. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extensive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extensive

Adjective

Blakespear said the definition was broad enough to encompass a wide range of heavy industrial uses, including chemical, plastics and pesticide manufacturing and strip mining.

— Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The e-commerce giant is preparing to launch its Prime Air service in Tracy as part of a broader expansion effort that will bring delivery drones to 500 cities and towns by the end of the year.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of broad

Adjective

The Iran war exposed just how much the world relied on a narrow 20-mile-wide waterway.

— Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Not only do the gods have multiple heads and arms, but the gods themselves are multiple, appearing in different forms with an array of different names, and with a wide variety of stories told about them.

— Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of wide

Adjective

In its comprehensive plan, the city of Eagle identifies the BLM land Bobo is cleaning up as a major component of the Foothills, calling for public lands to be incorporated into a larger open-space and wildlife-corridor network.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026
MacGregor has signed contracts with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard to supply comprehensive roll-on/roll-off equipment for the two vessels, marking one of its most extensive scopes for roll-on/roll-off passenger ferries to date.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of comprehensive

Adjective

Core aerators remove plugs about 2 to 4 inches deep and around 1/2-inch wide, and spaced about 2 to 6 inches apart, dropping them on the lawn surface.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026
Lovano expressed deep gratitude to Collins for steering the festival for many years and keeping the atmosphere alive.

— Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of deep

Adjective

Lagos combines expansive parkland golf with a closing stretch that takes on a more links-like feel, creating a diverse nine holes where the scenery is every bit as memorable as the golf.

— Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Even with the beta restricted to a single borough, Silvernia felt incredibly expansive, leaving me with high hopes for the final build's full world map.

— Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of expansive

Adjective

The aircraft will maximize the defensive potential of Qatar's F-15QAs, Rafales, and Typhoons, allowing for extended surveillance and interception missions, reinforcing a defensive posture rather than offensive strikes.

— Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
This fire was brought to a second alarm due to high temperatures and extended work needed at the scene, the Fire Department added.

— Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of extended

Adjective

Given the then-widespread assumption that the Greek and Roman past was superior to the present in all aspects of life (except perhaps religion), Renaissance scholars and creators strove to imitate classical antiquity.

— Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Washington recently took a stake in a firm — run by a former Venezuelan government contractor who faces widespread corruption accusations — in an effort to tap the world’s largest oil reserves and tame fuel prices at home.

— Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of widespread

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extensions

extensive

extensively

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

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Synonyms of extensive

adjective

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