expansive

adjective

ex·pan·sive ik-ˈspan(t)-siv

Synonyms of expansive

: having a capacity or a tendency to expand

: causing or tending to cause expansion

: characterized by high spirits, generosity, or readiness to talk : open

They grew expansive after dinner.

: marked by or indicative of exaggerated euphoria and delusions of self-importance

an expansive patient

: marked by expansion

especially : having a great expanse or extent : sizable, extensive

an expansive interpretation of the law

: characterized by richness, abundance, or magnificence

expansive living

expansive taste

expansively adverb

expansiveness noun

Examples of expansive in a Sentence

He was unusually expansive at the press conference. She was in an expansive mood. The law was expansive in its scope. a more expansive treatment of the topic the hotel's expansive dining room The house has expansive views of the valley.

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.

The Blue Ribbon Suite, on a corner, offers expansive views of the bucolic Virginia landscape and a stone terrace—the perfect perch for a glass of local wine. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026 Instead AxiomProver worked like a research assistant, testing a far more expansive space of ideas than would be humanly possible. — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026 An expansive sun deck, with a pool and lounge chairs, is the perfect vantage point for sweeping views of the Nile River and its surroundings. — Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2026 While Angelenos are using water rebates to replace turf with native grasses, expansive non-native lawns blanket the Lucas. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expansive

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of expansive was in 1651

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Expansive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expansive. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

expansive

adjective

ex·pan·sive ik-ˈspan(t)-siv

: having a capacity or a tendency to expand

gases are expansive

: causing or tending to cause expansion

an expansive force

: being in a good or talkative mood

: having considerable extent : broad

expansively adverb

expansiveness noun

Medical Definition

expansive

adjective

ex·pan·sive ik-ˈspan(t)-siv

: marked by or indicative of exaggerated euphoria and delusions of self-importance

a patient with expansive trends

expansiveness

-nəs

noun

expansive

adjective

Synonyms of expansive

Examples of expansive in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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