extensive

adjective

ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv How to pronounce extensive (audio)
Synonyms of extensivenext
1
: having wide or considerable extent
extensive reading
2
3
: of, relating to, or constituting farming in which large areas of land are utilized with minimum outlay and labor
extensively adverb
extensiveness noun

Examples of extensive in a Sentence

The storm caused extensive damage. an extensive series of tests
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Iran also committed to open its facilities to extensive international inspections in exchange for the sanctions relief and unfreezing of its foreign assets. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 19 June 2026 The findings help explain a mysterious signal recorded by Japan’s extensive GPS network shortly after the earthquake. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 June 2026 While police have highlighted the extensive security operation surrounding the World Cup, questions remain about why there have been few public updates in several of the city’s recent high-profile shootings. Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026 The festival is presenting an extensive retrospective of Linklater’s work in collaboration with the Filmpodium Zürich and the Cinémathèque Suisse. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for extensive

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extensive was in 1605

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Cite this Entry

“Extensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extensive. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

extensive

adjective
ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv How to pronounce extensive (audio)
: having wide or large extent
extensively adverb
extensiveness noun

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