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
The furnishings and art were thoughtfully curated, reflecting the clients’ life abroad and their love of bold, expressive pieces.
—Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 16 Oct. 2024
Froggie has expressive eyes, a sweet smile, and a fluffy green body optimized for snuggling.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2024
In Italy, on Mt. Etna, there were 28% more bianco bottlings in 2022 than a year earlier, according to the Etna wine consortium, and the number of biancos is on track to eventually equal that of its rich, expressive rossos.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 24 Sep. 2024
By leaning into the expressive possibilities offered up by its exquisitely precise balance of red and blue tones, says Ashley McCollum, a PPG color expert for the Glidden brand, Purple Basil allows anyone to write their own unique color story.
—Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 24 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expressive 
Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 16 Oct. 2024
Froggie has expressive eyes, a sweet smile, and a fluffy green body optimized for snuggling.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2024
In Italy, on Mt. Etna, there were 28% more bianco bottlings in 2022 than a year earlier, according to the Etna wine consortium, and the number of biancos is on track to eventually equal that of its rich, expressive rossos.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 24 Sep. 2024
By leaning into the expressive possibilities offered up by its exquisitely precise balance of red and blue tones, says Ashley McCollum, a PPG color expert for the Glidden brand, Purple Basil allows anyone to write their own unique color story.
—Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 24 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expressive
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expressive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near expressive
Cite this Entry
“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressive. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share