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
H. G. Wells3
: effectively conveying meaning or feeling
an expressive silence
expressive line drawings
expressively
adverb
expressiveness
noun
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
Her expressive reading of it was as much song as speech.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2025
In the past decade and half, the key shift in her painterly language is the sinuous, expressive lines that appear within her images, often in the foreground.
—Emmanuel Iduma, ARTnews.com, 21 Feb. 2025
And in later scenes, as Jesse finally confronts Spencer's death, her ineffable pain is etched across Menzel's achingly expressive face.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
Lynell, who was mentored in part by trumpeter and film and opera composer Terence Blanchard, is a wonderfully expressive and versatile singer who soars in any musical setting.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expressive
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Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2025
In the past decade and half, the key shift in her painterly language is the sinuous, expressive lines that appear within her images, often in the foreground.
—Emmanuel Iduma, ARTnews.com, 21 Feb. 2025
And in later scenes, as Jesse finally confronts Spencer's death, her ineffable pain is etched across Menzel's achingly expressive face.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
Lynell, who was mentored in part by trumpeter and film and opera composer Terence Blanchard, is a wonderfully expressive and versatile singer who soars in any musical setting.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expressive
Cite this Entry
“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressive. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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