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 of expressive

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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.
In 2025, the company released an immobile, expressive desktop robot called Reachy Mini. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026 People quickly learned to trust her expressive mountain warble to sing through great and grim times. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 This means, after the messenger planet’s bold and expressive journey through Leo, the focus moves away from creative and dramatic declarations (Leo) to a desire for productivity and grounding in the realm of communication. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 Plus, Deep Rooted is versatile enough to pair with soft neutrals, expressive blues, and calming greens. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026 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
expressively
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about expressive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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