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

There was severe flooding throughout the region with extensive damage in Asheville and many smaller communities in North Carolina and Tennessee. —Greg Allen, NPR, 29 Nov. 2024

Bregman’s talent and extensive postseason experience align well with a championship-caliber ball club who is looking to replace disappointment with glory in the month of October. —Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

Magnani will be tapping into her family’s extensive personal archives for the project which has the full support of her father. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 28 Nov. 2024

The 725,000-square-foot center underwent an extensive renovation beginning in 2008. —Adrian Rodriguez, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

extensive

adjective

ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv 

: having wide or large extent

extensively adverb

extensiveness noun