EXPRESSIVE Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

expressive

adjective

ik-ˈspre-siv

Definition of expressive

as in eloquent

clearly conveying a special meaning (as one's mood) the teacher's expressive sigh showed that she had heard that excuse many times before

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 expressive As a whole, the ballet’s arc can feel unfocussed, arhythmic—some parts overstuffed with action, others failing to fill with expressive movement Joby Talbot’s lavish score. — Hannah Aizenman, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026 Oral storytelling, shifting perspectives and stories that move between past, present and future can all find an expressive counterpart in animation. — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 For Lauper, nothing was off-limits for expressive modification, including her mane of colorful hair and artfully experimental makeup. — Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026 Hathaway is arch and expressive, doing subtle things with her eyes and voice that no one else can. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expressive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expressive

Adjective

The preschoolers who had a tough time delaying gratification— who ate the first marshmallow—were less academically and socially skilled, eloquent, attentive, and not as good at managing frustration in adolescence.

— Joan M. Cook, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
Fittingly, this is a very American intersection of wealth and power, the exact kind of problem about which James Baldwin was always so eloquent and incisive.

— James Folta, Literary Hub, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of eloquent

Adjective

The effect dissipates somewhat whenever Cahyono resorts to less suggestive, more blatantly surreal imagery.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Though revealing, his version of naked dressing was tantalizingly suggestive rather than explicitly bare.

— Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of suggestive

Adjective

Eventually, in 1914, Jo succeeded in publishing Vincent’s letters in an ambitious three-volume book, which today is considered one of the most revealing and important works of art history.

— Joan Martelli, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
There were bras, corset details, slip dresses and sheer layers across several collections — the most interesting interpretations weren’t necessarily the most revealing.

— Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of revealing

Adjective

Reintroducing Collection was a significant milestone for Calvin Klein, and Veronica’s exceptional talent and fresh perspective on Calvin’s iconic design codes helped build meaningful momentum for Collection.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
It is earned through consistent actions, meaningful relationships and genuine human connection.

— Kate Barton, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of meaningful

Adjective

From that point on, Kusama’s absorbing and fresh art, once charged by avant-garde energies, became more or less a meaning-free expression of market principles, an exercise in branding.

— Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Yiaga’s degustation menu is distinctly Australian—meaning, inventive and collaborative.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Definition of meaning

Browse Nearby Words

expressions

expressive

expressiveness

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expressive. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of expressive

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on expressive

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

fervid

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes