Definition of capaciousnext

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 Fresh orchids brighten up each space, including the capacious bathroom stocked with Molton Brown toiletries. Wendy Altschuler, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026 Her public image was capacious enough that Rollerena could carry not only camp and sociability, but profound grief as well. Emilie Hardman, JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2026 Paré-Poupart’s hyperactive, genre-mixing writing suggests that writing about contemporary labor and its place in consumer societies may benefit from being associative and capacious. Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 18 June 2026 But the book’s gaze is capacious and at times wayward. Rachel Vorona Cote, Vulture, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for capacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capacious
Adjective
  • Outside, the spacious balcony and its plush sofa were an open invite for a sunrise coffee, and the trail of wooden steps to the water meant pre-dinner dips in the sea were part of the daily routine.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
  • One shopper shouted out the spacious front pockets, and another loved their sporty vibe.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Guidance includes carrying ample water and supplies, checking road and weather conditions in advance and taking an alternative means of communication, such as a satellite communicator or emergency beacon.
    Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley have ample firepower, both lines are good, and the defense is top-tier.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Capacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capacious. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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