expressive
adjective
ex·pres·sive
ik-ˈspre-siv 
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
H. G. Wells3
: effectively conveying meaning or feeling
an expressive silence
expressive line drawings
expressively
adverb
expressiveness
noun
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
Now, beaded swimsuits are joining the mix, bringing a dose of expressive, colorful energy to vacation wardrobes after seasons dominated by minimalist swimwear.
—Lauren Fisher, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
The exterior design is equally expressive.
—Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
But this year’s open call for designs (the show, fittingly, is called DUDD LITE) produced over 400 expressive submissions that used Bocci’s 22 system, electrical devices that can accommodate nearly any finish.
—Anthony Paletta, Curbed, 17 May 2026
Ferrell and Rachel Dratch transformed into Roger and Virginia Klarvin — an expressive college professor couple who can't keep their hands off each other.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for expressive
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.
Lauren Fisher, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
The exterior design is equally expressive.
—Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
But this year’s open call for designs (the show, fittingly, is called DUDD LITE) produced over 400 expressive submissions that used Bocci’s 22 system, electrical devices that can accommodate nearly any finish.
—Anthony Paletta, Curbed, 17 May 2026
Ferrell and Rachel Dratch transformed into Roger and Virginia Klarvin — an expressive college professor couple who can't keep their hands off each other.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for expressive
Cite this Entry
“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressive. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
expressive
adjective
ex·pres·sive
ik-ˈspres-iv
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
