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Definitions

expressive

[ik-spres-iv] / ɪkˈsprɛs ɪv /


Usage

What are other ways to say expressive? The adjective expressive suggests conveying, or being capable of conveying, a thought, intention, emotion, etc., in an effective or vivid manner: an expressive gesture. Meaningful and significant imply an underlying and unexpressed thought whose existence is plainly shown although its precise nature is left to conjecture. Meaningful implies a secret and intimate understanding between the persons involved: Meaningful looks passed between them. Significant suggests conveying important or hidden meaning: On hearing this statement, he gave the officers a significant glance. Suggestive implies an indirect or covert conveying of a meaning, sometimes mentally stimulating, sometimes verging on impropriety or indecency: a suggestive story or remark.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This altarpiece marks the Italian artist coming into his own at the end of the Renaissance, its vision of Christ after his crucifixion rendered in an expressive, enigmatic style.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

But the characters are expressive, and the medium is used to unreal ends, which is, after all, what cartoons are good for.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

Whether he was laughing, brooding or crumpling into sobs to create one of the most well-known and widely circulated meme GIFs of all time, Van Der Beek’s expressive appeal propelled him to virtually overnight superstardom.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2026

Never the most comfortable or expressive in front of the media, she quickly became tired of questions about it as her rise to prominence began.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

I liked watching his hands move— he isn’t expressive, but he moves things around a lot.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins




Vocabulary lists containing expressive