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

The city is renowned for its expansive array of fine dining establishments, luxurious hotels and tourist attractions. —Dubai Tourism Contributor, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Ideal for hosting, a private dining room, a chef’s catering kitchen, and a lounge boasting an expansive terrace are available to residents. —Jessica Cherner, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024

Beyond its slightly more than 6,000 square feet of living space, the expansive outdoor terrace is where key amenities tied to the incentive come into play, like an ice bath and a sauna. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024

As Mercury transitions from the depths of Scorpio into the free-spirited realm of Sagittarius, our mental energy shifts from introspective and suspicious to hopeful and expansive. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024

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