extensive

adjective

ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv How to pronounce extensive (audio)
Synonyms of extensivenext
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 of extensive

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Examples of extensive in a Sentence

The storm caused extensive damage. an extensive series of tests
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Semafor reported in 2023 on extensive, leaked Iranian government communications that revealed Iranian attempts to influence US politics. — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026 The public college said all of its locations will remain closed tomorrow and Monday due to extensive power outages and cleanup efforts in the area. — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026 Two of the strongest El Niños in the last 75 years were associated with extensive damage to the Southern California coast, battering homes, flooding streets and damaging piers. — Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026 Traditional atomic projects often face extensive delays because safety reviews generally encompass both the reactor and its major steam-generating systems. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extensive

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extensive was in 1605

Rhymes for extensive

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Browse Nearby Words

extensity
extensive
extensivity
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Cite this Entry

“Extensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extensive. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

extensive

adjective
ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv How to pronounce extensive (audio)
: having wide or large extent
extensively adverb
extensiveness noun
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