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 violence also left businesses facing extensive damage and mounting financial losses. — Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Creality claims extensive durability testing, but long-term behavior in ordinary workshops will be the more meaningful test. — New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026 The data breach involved Educational Testing Service or ETS, which provides extensive services to California. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 The Houthis are demanding that Saudi Arabia lift its blockade, which would be an admission of defeat in the long-running war and pave the way for even more extensive Iranian aid to the rebels. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 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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