extensive

adjective

ex·​ten·​sive ik-ˈsten(t)-siv How to pronounce extensive (audio)
1
: having wide or considerable extent
extensive reading
2
3
: of, relating to, or constituting farming in which large areas of land are utilized with minimum outlay and labor
extensively adverb
extensiveness noun

Examples of extensive in a Sentence

The storm caused extensive damage. an extensive series of tests
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
At The Villages, retirees can really live their best life, choosing to golf on one of its nine- or 18-hole courses, hike its extensive trail network, dine in one of its many restaurants, shop its various plazas, and naturally, hang by its plentiful pools. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2024 Along with the demos, the auction includes Hendrix’s handwritten form requesting a copy of his birth certificate, dry-cleaning slips for psychedelic stage costumes and an extensive collection of slide photographs featuring candid snaps of the musician. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 The charges against Combs, detailed in a 14-page federal grand jury indictment unsealed last month, revealed an extensive and ongoing federal investigation into the hip-hop icon since federal agents raided his Los Angeles and Miami homes in March. Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024 The collective leadership of this $14.5 trillion club is dominated by CEOs who boast extensive international experience–essential in a global economy. Byalex Wood Morton, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for extensive 

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extensive was in 1604

Dictionary Entries Near extensive

Cite this Entry

“Extensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extensive. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on extensive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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