extensive

adjective

ik-ˈsten(t)-siv How to pronounce extensive (audio)
Definition of extensivenext
as in broad
having considerable extent a rock hound whose extensive reading enables him to identify just about any rock or mineral

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of extensive In its current form, the program places substantial administrative burden on clinicians, requiring extensive documentation, prior authorizations, appeals, and time-consuming navigation of evolving coverage rules. — Jeffrey Millstein, STAT, 11 Aug. 2026 Russia proved itself to be Assad’s greatest ally during the war, surpassing even Iran’s extensive help. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026 As her business grows, Salas is upgrading to a larger warehouse to store her extensive inventory of couches, lamps, books and other staging supplies. — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2026 Some of the guys that maybe won’t get as much work (Tuesday) will get extensive work in the game on Thursday. — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extensive
  1. broad
  2. wide
  3. sweeping
  4. comprehensive
  5. deep
  6. expansive
  7. extended
  8. widespread
Adjective
  • Together, the setbacks also highlight a broader challenge for Taiwan, which is developing a layered defense system while drone technology evolves faster than traditional military procurement programmes can adapt.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The ruling follows a broader shift toward rethinking the purpose of cash bail, mirroring larger criminal justice reforms in the state over the past decade or more.
    — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of broad
Adjective
  • The next phase will include examining more types and grades of iron ore, since the Iron Range contains a wide variety of resources.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • That sentiment inspires Sony Vizha – a celebration of Tamil culture, deeply rooted in emotion and imagined for a wider world.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of wide
Adjective
  • Joshua trees dot the property, and sweeping mountain views stretch across the horizon.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Related Articles The images show whole walls collapsed, leaving its interior with sweeping views of the city.
    — Kim Córdova, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of sweeping
Adjective
  • Police Chief Alex Gammelgard said the decision follows a comprehensive review of the technology and its future, as well as conversations with community members and changes in how ALPR systems are being used by government agencies.
    — Lyanne Wang, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • But Abbott’s data center pause offers false expectations of a comprehensive audit.
    — John Kostyack, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • Many of his supporters harbor deep frustration and anger at the American for-profit healthcare system.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Not to be cheated in front of the largest assembly of Hall of Famers since the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, Schwarber flew out twice to deep center field.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of deep
Adjective
  • The increase is attributed partly to greater awareness and screening, a more expansive definition of the disorder, and parents having children at a later age, various studies show.
    — Amanda Seitz, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Her expansive back catalog and latest album Petal are testament to that.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of expansive
Adjective
  • The comfortable ergonomic designs minimize hand stress and fatigue, great for extended use and those with arthritis.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Durston spreads the ceiling height out via its extended single-pole roofline and a spreader crossbar.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of extended
Adjective
  • But he was forced to apologize after his plans to form a subsidiary to run the tournament, which would have opened the door for investors to buy stakes of up to ​20% in a spinout firm, collapsed after widespread backlash across the sport.
    — Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Hackney attracted widespread interest from Premier League clubs this summer, holding discussions with around eight potential suitors.
    — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of widespread

Browse Nearby Words

extensions
extensive
extensively
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extensive. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on extensive

Nglish: Translation of extensive for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All