expansive

adjective

ex·​pan·​sive ik-ˈspan(t)-siv 

1

: having a capacity or a tendency to expand

2

: causing or tending to cause expansion

3

a

: characterized by high spirits, generosity, or readiness to talk : open

grew expansive after dinner

b

: marked by or indicative of exaggerated euphoria and delusions of self-importance

an expansive patient

4

: marked by expansion

especially : having a great expanse or extent : sizable, extensive

an expansive interpretation of the law

5

: characterized by richness, abundance, or magnificence

expansive living

expansive taste

expansively adverb

expansiveness noun

Synonyms

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

Examples of expansive in a Sentence

He was unusually expansive at the press conference.

She was in an expansive mood.

The law was expansive in its scope.

a more expansive treatment of the topic

the hotel's expansive dining room

The house has expansive views of the valley.

Recent Examples on the Web

Outdoors, the grounds host a swimming pool surrounded by an expansive brick deck holding a hot tub, a kitchen setup, and several spots ideal for alfresco lounging and entertaining. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2025

The result was a performance that felt like a moment of evolution—still deeply Trill, but also expansive, demonstrating Bun B’s versatility and willingness to push the boundaries of what Black Heritage Night could be. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 17 Mar. 2025

Passengers could enjoy onboard amenities, expansive decks, and the freedom to roam the ship, all while visiting multiple destinations. —David Nikel, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025

Side sonar scans starboard and port, providing a more expansive picture of the bottom than sonar mounted beneath a ship. —arkansasonline.com, 16 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

expansive

adjective

ex·​pan·​sive ik-ˈspan(t)-siv 

1

: having a capacity or a tendency to expand

gases are expansive

2

: causing or tending to cause expansion

an expansive force

3

: being in a good or talkative mood

4

: having considerable extent : broad

expansively adverb

expansiveness noun

Medical Definition

expansive

adjective

ex·​pan·​sive ik-ˈspan(t)-siv 

: marked by or indicative of exaggerated euphoria and delusions of self-importance

a patient with expansive trends

expansiveness

-nəs 

noun