expressive

adjective

ex·​pres·​sive ik-ˈspre-siv 

1

: of or relating to expression

the expressive function of language

2

: serving to express, utter, or represent

foul and novel terms expressive of rage

—H. G. Wells

3

: effectively conveying meaning or feeling

an expressive silence

expressive line drawings

expressively adverb

expressiveness noun

Synonyms

• eloquent
• meaning
• meaningful
• pregnant
• revealing
• revelatory
• significant
• suggestive

Examples of expressive in a Sentence

the expressive function of language

the teacher's expressive sigh showed that she had heard that excuse many times before

Recent Examples on the Web

This is a really pretty wine with aromas of orange blossom and honeysuckle with juicy stone fruit on the refreshing palate with bright acidity and a long expressive finish. 2021 Alma Rosa, Chardonnay, El Jabalí Vineyard, Sta. —Cathrine Todd, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

The artist’s intuitive approach to sculpting diverse materials into expressive forms led to the creation of soaring red and pink rose blossoms made of fiberglass and stainless steel that rise as high as 15 feet into the air. —Troy J. McMullen, Architectural Digest, 9 Dec. 2024

But the region, however influential and formative, hasn’t always been so free for Black men with expressive style. —Julian Randall, Essence, 25 Nov. 2024

Feel free to add those little eyelashes to the expressive LED headlights. —William Roberson, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

expressive

adjective

ex·​pres·​sive ik-ˈspres-iv 

1

: of or relating to expression

2

: serving to express

3

: full of expression

also : openly expressing one's feelings

an expressive face

expressively adverb

expressiveness noun

Legal Definition

expressive

adjective

ex·​pres·​sive

1

: of or relating to expression

2

: serving to express or represent

expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment

expressively adverb

expressiveness noun