Definition of expressivenext
as in eloquent
clearly conveying a special meaning (as one's mood) the teacher's expressive sigh showed that she had heard that excuse many times before

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of expressive Here, the outfits felt less prescriptive and more expressive, as A-listers who may feel hemmed-in by the traditional glamazon gowns and suits expected at the Academy Awards seemed to let their hair down. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 16 Mar. 2026 Over the course of her time in the program, Mel has gravitated toward bold creative choices, often working with distorted imagery, expressive sound design, and symbolic visual storytelling to communicate ideas in unconventional ways. Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026 Ana’s favorite colors — black, blue, red, and white — reflect their bold and expressive personality. Mare Staff, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026 While nostalgia—drawing people to the warmth, color, and the carefree spirit of the 1970s—certainly plays a role, leaning back into this style is also about creating spaces that feel personal, expressive, and welcoming. Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expressive
Adjective
  • Several board members commended the speakers and noted that the students were eloquent in their speeches.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Under this alignment of eloquent Mercury and unstoppable Mars in your in-depth 8th house, those connections could use a bit of extra attention.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • For now, however, the evidence remains suggestive rather than definitive.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Wasserman rode on Epstein’s plane and exchanged suggestive messages with Maxwell, the files the DOJ released show.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But some of the most revealing details uncovered by La Nación go beyond corporate structures and bank transfers—and into how the money was allegedly spent.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Faces off the field gives a revealing look into the thoughts and lives of high school student-athletes from the Austin area.
    Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Anchor inspiration with meaningful promises.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Supporting strengths beyond performance and maintaining a meaningful connection to the team/sport can help with confidence and continuity of that identity during recovery.
    Ian McMahan, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • To see you as a newborn child and then to look at you and to know that every step along the way, to witness that journey, is the most meaning aspect of my life.
    Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
  • For Robell Awake, the chair is a meaning-laden object, symbolic of rest, a stand-in for the human body, a reflection of historical power dynamics.
    Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 30 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expressive. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on expressive

Nglish: Translation of expressive for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about expressive

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