extensive

adjective

ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv 

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

• broad
• deep
• expansive
• extended
• far-flung
• far-reaching
• rangy
• sweeping
• wide
• wide-ranging
• widespread

Examples of extensive in a Sentence

The storm caused extensive damage.

an extensive series of tests

Recent Examples on the Web

This strategic partnership has been particularly beneficial, as access to PepsiCo’s extensive distribution network has accelerated Celsius’s recent growth and market penetration. —Trefis Team, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

Stay Here: Come for the famous geothermal waters, stay for the extensive treatment menu, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is where wellness is actualized. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025

Start your meal with a samosa or chicken 65 appetizer, then peruse the extensive menu that includes clay oven barbecue namak mandi peshawar dishes, plus Indian dishes such as chicken tikka masala, aloo gobi and paneer tikka masala. —Alexandra Maloney, Charlotte Observer, 21 Mar. 2025

Canopy has already been working with several of the biggest Indian players: Birla Cellulose, Walmart owned Flipkart and Myntra, as well as fashion brands like House of Anita Dongre, which has an extensive retail network in India. —Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for extensive

• defensive
• expensive
• intensive
• offensive
• ostensive
• prehensive
• suspensive
• antihypertensive
• apprehensive
• coextensive
• comprehensive
• hypertensive

Kids Definition

extensive

adjective

ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv 

: having wide or large extent

extensively adverb

extensiveness noun