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
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
First things first, Weilerstein is a gripping performer to watch and a masterful interpreter of Bach, displaying an alluringly personal and effortlessly expressive engagement with the suites.
—Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 7 Apr. 2024
The cast’s blend of choreographic precision and uninhibited animal energy is at the core of this authenticity; the actors’ mastery of their crudely expressive gestures conveys delicate emotions, and their grunts and hoots possess the dramatic flair and nuance of dialogue.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2024
The body is now wasting; the voice is losing expressive competence.
—Stephen Metcalf, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2024
The perspective that considers watches as part of fashion and expressive culture more generally is neither better nor worse than a nerdy watch-centric perspective, but these perspectives usually focus on rather different aspects of watches.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2024
These two accessories are reimagining Coach’s legacy of craftsmanship intersecting with an expressive attitude of today’s generation.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 26 Mar. 2024
James' family, including her husband Austin James, confirms in a statement to PEOPLE that the content creator — who suffered a stroke and seizures following the aneurysm rupture — has been diagnosed with expressive aphasia.
—Melody Chiu, Peoplemag, 26 Mar. 2024
Colorful, expressive, perfectly balanced, punchy without being pretentious.
—Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2024
Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2024
First things first, Weilerstein is a gripping performer to watch and a masterful interpreter of Bach, displaying an alluringly personal and effortlessly expressive engagement with the suites.
—Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 7 Apr. 2024
The cast’s blend of choreographic precision and uninhibited animal energy is at the core of this authenticity; the actors’ mastery of their crudely expressive gestures conveys delicate emotions, and their grunts and hoots possess the dramatic flair and nuance of dialogue.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2024
The body is now wasting; the voice is losing expressive competence.
—Stephen Metcalf, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2024
The perspective that considers watches as part of fashion and expressive culture more generally is neither better nor worse than a nerdy watch-centric perspective, but these perspectives usually focus on rather different aspects of watches.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2024
These two accessories are reimagining Coach’s legacy of craftsmanship intersecting with an expressive attitude of today’s generation.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 26 Mar. 2024
James' family, including her husband Austin James, confirms in a statement to PEOPLE that the content creator — who suffered a stroke and seizures following the aneurysm rupture — has been diagnosed with expressive aphasia.
—Melody Chiu, Peoplemag, 26 Mar. 2024
Colorful, expressive, perfectly balanced, punchy without being pretentious.
—Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 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 19 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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