extensive

adjective ex·ten·sive \ ik-ˈsten(t)-siv \

Updated on: 5 Dec 2017

Definition of extensive

1 : having wide or considerable extent

extensive reading

2 : extensional

3 : of, relating to, or constituting farming in which large areas of land are utilized with minimum outlay and labor

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extensively

adverb

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extensiveness

noun

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Examples of extensive in a Sentence

The storm caused extensive damage.
an extensive series of tests

Recent Examples of extensive from the Web

Visit the UA Gameday Operations website for extensive tips on traveling to and from Tuscaloosa on Saturdays.

— ben flanagan | [email protected], AL.com, "Alabama Gameday: Complete fan guide to Crimson Tide's home game against LSU," 3 Nov. 2017
With striped silver metallic wallpaper, the space holds floating bookshelves, a contrast to the extensive bookshelves from the couple’s old home.

— madeleine winer, The Courier-Journal, "Minimalistic living defines this 25th-floor apartment in the city," 2 Nov. 2017
Even though in recent years the General Assembly has roundly condemned the embargo, Cuba still wages an extensive publicity campaign every year, rallying people at home and on social media to support the resolution.

— mimi whitefield, miamiherald, "U.S. will vote no on U.N. resolution against embargo | Miami Herald," 31 Oct. 2017
Through extensive computations known only to Albert Einstein, Mr. Peabody and those on the quiz team getting full rides, mathematical numbers are assigned to our Friday heroes which indicate their worthiness to continue.

— scott springer, Cincinnati.com, "The prep football formula from here is pretty easy," 28 Oct. 2017
The estuary report, which was subject to extensive peer review and public comment, charts how Narragansett Bay is becoming cleaner but also faces challenges such as nutrient runoff and climate change.

— juliet eilperin, Washington Post, "EPA yanks scientists’ conference presentations, including on climate change," 22 Oct. 2017
Early last year, San Diego port commissioners, who oversee bayfront land, gave the development team the go-ahead to begin processing its plans, including working with the port on an extensive environmental review.

— lori weisberg, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Convention hotel developer to city of San Diego: Back off," 16 Oct. 2017
The same law firm was hired last month to conduct an extensive review of Auburn's softball program in the wake of that scandal.

— james crepea, AL.com, "4-star forward EJ Montgomery reportedly decommits from Auburn," 27 Sep. 2017
First, the restrictions are the product of an extensive country-by-country review of cooperation with U.S. requests for information on possible terrorist suspects, and of technical capabilities to screen travelers.

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "Get Ready for More Court Battles Over Trump’s New, Broader Travel Ban," 25 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'extensive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.