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
: extensional
3
: of, relating to, or constituting farming in which large areas of land are utilized with minimum outlay and labor
extensively adverb
extensiveness noun

Synonyms of extensive

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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.
The extensive menu is a celebration of premium meats and Mediterranean flavors. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026 Every article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of financial products. — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 6 July 2026 The efforts concluded early Sunday morning following an extensive search. — Eric MacK, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026 Known in Old English as Godgifu, she is believed to have been among the few women in 11th-century England to hold extensive lands. — Michele Metychall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 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

Rhymes for extensive

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Browse Nearby Words

extensity
extensive
extensivity
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Cite this Entry

“Extensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extensive. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on extensive

Nglish: Translation of extensive for Spanish Speakers

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