expressive

1 of 2

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

3

: effectively conveying meaning or feeling

an expressive silence

expressive line drawings

expressively adverb

expressiveness noun

expressiveness

2 of 2

noun

ex·​pres·​sive·​ness

-sivnə̇s, 

-sēv- also -səv-

plural -es

: the quality of being expressive

Synonyms of expressive

Adjective

• eloquent
• suggestive
• revealing
• meaningful
• meaning

Examples of expressive in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Oral storytelling, shifting perspectives and stories that move between past, present and future can all find an expressive counterpart in animation. — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

For Lauper, nothing was off-limits for expressive modification, including her mane of colorful hair and artfully experimental makeup. — Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026

Hathaway is arch and expressive, doing subtle things with her eyes and voice that no one else can. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Played with exquisite, improbably expressive steeliness by Florence Pugh, Cathy does not awaken from nowhere as a predator. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for expressive

• aggressive
• compressive
• concessive
• depressive
• excessive
• impressive
• obsessive
• oppressive
• possessive
• progressive
• recessive
• regressive

Kids 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

Legal Definition

expressive

adjective

ex·​pres·​sive

1

: of or relating to expression

2

: serving to express or represent

expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment

expressively adverb

expressiveness noun