expressive

adjective

ex·​pres·​sive ik-ˈspre-siv How to pronounce expressive (audio)
Synonyms of expressivenext
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
3
: effectively conveying meaning or feeling
an expressive silence
expressive line drawings
expressively adverb
expressiveness noun

Synonyms

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But as a vocalist, Menne is more expressive and affecting than ever, alternating from whisper to croon to mid-range belting from one song to the next. — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 26 Mar. 2025 But the appendage already makes Pugsley quite expressive, especially when hanging out with his siblings. — Bailey Richards, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025 Plus Williams looks uncannily like Kochan, especially during Kochan’s final years: short blonde hair, model bone structure, expressive eyes. — Rachel Handler, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2025 But if Jackson’s steps were less steady than in his prime, and his speech was a little slower, that beautifully expressive baritone was still at full strength. — Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expressive

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expressive was in the 15th century

Rhymes for expressive

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Browse Nearby Words

express itself/themselves
expressive
expressivity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressive. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

expressive

adjective
ex·​pres·​sive ik-ˈspres-iv How to pronounce expressive (audio)
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

Legal Definition

expressive

adjective
ex·​pres·​sive
1
: of or relating to expression
2
: serving to express or represent
expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment
expressively adverb
expressiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on expressive

Nglish: Translation of expressive for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about expressive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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