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

Nor does its Great Library, once the most extensive in the ancient world and part of a larger learning center called the Mouseion, or Alexandrian Museum. —Hannah Edgar, ARTnews.com, 27 Feb. 2025

Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. —Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025

The medical record summaries quickly and accurately extract and organize vital medical information from extensive records, while the medical billing summaries meticulously report every medical expense. —Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025

These traditional user interfaces are filled with extensive menu options, complex navigation systems and unique labeling systems. —Praerit Garg, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for extensive

• defensive
• expensive
• intensive
• offensive
• ostensive
• prehensive
• suspensive
• antihypertensive
• apprehensive
• coextensive
• comprehensive
• hypertensive

Kids Definition

extensive

adjective

ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv 

: having wide or large extent

extensively adverb

extensiveness noun