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

The police barricades and street closings appeared to be as extensive as those for the annual tree lighting on the same spot every holiday season. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025

Essentially, the founder utilized his extensive background in trucking operations and logistics management to better understand the challenges that businesses face when moving goods. —William Mullane, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025

Officials said the blaze caused extensive damage to the building, with flames burning through its roof. —Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025

In our conversation, Onah pushed back on reports of extensive reshoots impacting his vision. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 14 Feb. 2025

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