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
Synonyms
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
This is followed by an expressive full moon in Leo — charging up your second house of money, stability and values — leaving you with no choice but to make a tough financial decision and reevaluate your investments in the process.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 5 Feb. 2025
Her resentment and frustration at the burdens placed upon her become all too relatable via Byrne’s brave, expressive performance that showcases her capacity for soul-baring, live-wire work.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 5 Feb. 2025
Not naked aggression but a miscommunication between an overly expressive creature and one that, despite its friendliness, is an anxious prey animal.
—Gary Shteyngart, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
The Argentine artist reflects on her emotions and the consequences of this betrayal, ultimately leading her to seek revenge in a creative and expressive manner.
—Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for expressive 
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Valerie Mesa, People.com, 5 Feb. 2025
Her resentment and frustration at the burdens placed upon her become all too relatable via Byrne’s brave, expressive performance that showcases her capacity for soul-baring, live-wire work.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 5 Feb. 2025
Not naked aggression but a miscommunication between an overly expressive creature and one that, despite its friendliness, is an anxious prey animal.
—Gary Shteyngart, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
The Argentine artist reflects on her emotions and the consequences of this betrayal, ultimately leading her to seek revenge in a creative and expressive manner.
—Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for expressive
Dictionary Entries Near expressive
Cite this Entry
“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressive. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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
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