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
Synonyms
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
Unfortunately, Erskine already is on shaky ground with Viscount David Brooke (a subtly expressive Mark Strong), who has recently replaced his deceased father as editor of The London Chronicle, and doesn’t share his high regard for Erskine’s flamethrower prose.
—Joe Leydon, Variety, 13 Jan. 2025
Bud is a schnauzer mix with deep, expressive eyes; beige snoot and leg stockings; and a white chest, with the rest of his fur a charcoal black.
—Tj MacIas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2025
The design of this Steven Spielberg film is true to the period, yes, but the character’s aspirations for more, more, and more also feel inextricably linked to the embrace of conspicuous consumption, which resulted in the colorful, expressive look.
—Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 24 Dec. 2024
French music producer Para One provided the film’s expressive soundtrack, which mirrors de Saint Phalle’s ups and downs.
—Sarah Belmont, ARTnews.com, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expressive 
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Joe Leydon, Variety, 13 Jan. 2025
Bud is a schnauzer mix with deep, expressive eyes; beige snoot and leg stockings; and a white chest, with the rest of his fur a charcoal black.
—Tj MacIas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2025
The design of this Steven Spielberg film is true to the period, yes, but the character’s aspirations for more, more, and more also feel inextricably linked to the embrace of conspicuous consumption, which resulted in the colorful, expressive look.
—Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 24 Dec. 2024
French music producer Para One provided the film’s expressive soundtrack, which mirrors de Saint Phalle’s ups and downs.
—Sarah Belmont, ARTnews.com, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expressive
Dictionary Entries Near expressive
Cite this Entry
“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressive. Accessed 22 Jan. 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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