Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective capacious differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of capacious are ample, commodious, and spacious. While all these words mean "larger in extent or capacity than the average," capacious stresses the ability to hold, contain, or retain more than the average.

a capacious suitcase

When could ample be used to replace capacious?

In some situations, the words ample and capacious are roughly equivalent. However, ample implies having a greater size, expanse, or amount than that deemed adequate.

ample closet space

When is it sensible to use commodious instead of capacious?

The meanings of commodious and capacious largely overlap; however, commodious stresses roominess and comfortableness.

a commodious and airy penthouse apartment

When is spacious a more appropriate choice than capacious?

The synonyms spacious and capacious are sometimes interchangeable, but spacious implies great length and breadth.

a spacious front lawn

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of capacious And yet, for all these elements of breakdown, Flores has more in mind than a mere catalog of atrocities; his imagination is too capacious. David L. Ulin, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2025 Meanwhile, Oswald lives a capacious life in spite of the very disorder Edward believed doomed him. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2025 This two-story house offers a capacious living environment with its four bedrooms and four baths. Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2025 Krissie noticed that each inmate had worn a jacket capacious enough to be stuffed with leftovers. Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for capacious

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Capacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capacious. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on capacious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!