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
Watercolor nails Inspired by Impressionist paintings, watercolor nails put an artistic spin on the season’s texture trend as translucent polishes are swirled together for a diffused finish that feels fluid and expressive.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 27 Apr. 2026
Sheep are not the most expressive of animals and aren’t particularly interesting to look at.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2026
Creative Venus in your 5th House sextiles dreamy Neptune in your 3rd, making your words more expressive, playful, and easy to receive.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026
Kwiatt said experiences will include yoga and chair yoga, Pilates, tai chi, expressive arts, Reiki, breathwork, meditation and more.
—Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expressive
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Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 27 Apr. 2026
Sheep are not the most expressive of animals and aren’t particularly interesting to look at.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2026
Creative Venus in your 5th House sextiles dreamy Neptune in your 3rd, making your words more expressive, playful, and easy to receive.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026
Kwiatt said experiences will include yoga and chair yoga, Pilates, tai chi, expressive arts, Reiki, breathwork, meditation and more.
—Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 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 1 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
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