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.
But before the experience begins, the enticing and extensive cocktail menu awaits. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026 Over the past few years, Boots has been delving into its extensive data to test and try products and began introducing stand-alone beauty retail concepts, the latest of which opened in Bristol earlier this month. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2026 Amazon declined to comment, but its Amazon Web Services dashboard has shown a disruption in the region since an initial April 30 attack on the data center, and satellite imagery showed extensive damage to the AWS facility. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026 The extensive prep helped Roth maintain a fun atmosphere on set in spite of the time pressures — something that was key to getting the best out of his cast of child actors. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 3 Aug. 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 5 Aug. 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

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Nglish: Translation of extensive for Spanish Speakers

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