expressive
adjective
ex·pres·sive
ik-ˈspre-siv 
1
: of or relating to expression
the expressive function of language
2
: serving to express, utter, or represent
foul and novel terms expressive of rage—
H. G. Wells
H. G. Wells3
: effectively conveying meaning or feeling
an expressive silence
expressive line drawings
expressively
adverb
expressiveness
noun
Examples of expressive in a Sentence
the expressive function of language
the teacher's expressive sigh showed that she had heard that excuse many times before
Recent Examples on the Web
Be more expressive, human, and animated to keep attention.
—William Arruda, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
The designer and entrepreneur has sometimes been overshadowed by her friend and close collaborator Josef Frank, whose colorful, expressive prints have become synonymous with the brand.
—Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 1 May 2025
From the wild eyes to an often unnerving grin, Willem Dafoe has one of the most expressive faces in Hollywood, and it's led to some gloriously bizarre performances.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
Research shows that dynamic, responsive chats in a child’s first two years set the stage for preschool literacy skills like expressive vocabulary and letter-name and -sound knowledge.
—Maya Payne Smart, Contributor, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expressive
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William Arruda, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
The designer and entrepreneur has sometimes been overshadowed by her friend and close collaborator Josef Frank, whose colorful, expressive prints have become synonymous with the brand.
—Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 1 May 2025
From the wild eyes to an often unnerving grin, Willem Dafoe has one of the most expressive faces in Hollywood, and it's led to some gloriously bizarre performances.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
Research shows that dynamic, responsive chats in a child’s first two years set the stage for preschool literacy skills like expressive vocabulary and letter-name and -sound knowledge.
—Maya Payne Smart, Contributor, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expressive
Cite this Entry
“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressive. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
expressive
adjective
ex·pres·sive
ik-ˈspres-iv
1
: of or relating to expression
2
: serving to express
3
: full of expression
also
: openly expressing one's feelings
an expressive face
expressively
adverb
expressiveness
noun
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