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
Like her American counterpart, Abad—a native of Basco, Batanes, in the Philippines—was also both an expressive painter and a master of the narrative quilt, embracing and elevating a medium long dismissed for its folksy domesticity.
—Raymond Ang, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2024
Specific attention was given to making sure the actors’ faces could still be expressive under their prosthetics, and that their eyes would be clearly visible.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2024
Chandeliers are a great place to take an expressive risk, Grubb said.
—Marni Jameson, The Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2024
When Perlman got to Juilliard, he was shocked when he was encouraged by his new teacher to be more expressive and self-reflective.
—Mary C. Murphy, TIME, 2 Apr. 2024
In Season Rob Lowe is very expressive following the Los Angeles Dodgers' season opener on March 28 in L.A.
48 of 105
Girls' Night
Camila Cabello steps out for a night out with friends at the Nice Guy in L.A. on March 28.
—Brian Anthony Hernandez, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2024
De Palma is a filmmaker whose unmistakable style is both thematically expressive and visually enticing.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2024
Its growing popularity reflects a broader shift towards more expressive and impactful design choices, showcasing cherry red as not just a color, but a statement.
—Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2024
Yet the two least conformist and most expressive characters on stage, Madson's Rowley and Zoe Smith's Fregley, also appear to be among the freest and happiest people.
—Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2024
Raymond Ang, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2024
Specific attention was given to making sure the actors’ faces could still be expressive under their prosthetics, and that their eyes would be clearly visible.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2024
Chandeliers are a great place to take an expressive risk, Grubb said.
—Marni Jameson, The Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2024
When Perlman got to Juilliard, he was shocked when he was encouraged by his new teacher to be more expressive and self-reflective.
—Mary C. Murphy, TIME, 2 Apr. 2024
In Season Rob Lowe is very expressive following the Los Angeles Dodgers' season opener on March 28 in L.A.
48 of 105
Girls' Night
Camila Cabello steps out for a night out with friends at the Nice Guy in L.A. on March 28.
—Brian Anthony Hernandez, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2024
De Palma is a filmmaker whose unmistakable style is both thematically expressive and visually enticing.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2024
Its growing popularity reflects a broader shift towards more expressive and impactful design choices, showcasing cherry red as not just a color, but a statement.
—Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2024
Yet the two least conformist and most expressive characters on stage, Madson's Rowley and Zoe Smith's Fregley, also appear to be among the freest and happiest people.
—Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expressive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near expressive
Cite this Entry
“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressive. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.
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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