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Showing results for expressive. Search instead for expressivare.
Definitions

expressive

[ik-spres-iv] / ɪkˈsprɛs ɪv /
ADJECTIVE
telling, revealing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
articulate artistic colorful dramatic eloquent energetic passionate poignant striking suggestive thoughtful vivid
WEAK
alive allusive brilliant demonstrative emphatic forcible graphic indicative ingenious lively masterly meaningful mobile moving pathetic pictorial picturesque pointed pregnant representative responsive revelatory showy significant silver-tongued spirited stimulating stirring strong sympathetic tender touching understanding warm
Antonyms
STRONGEST
dull lifeless ugly uncaring
WEAK
expressionless inexpressive passive undemonstrative

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.

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

Both McAdams and O’Brien move beyond expectations to deliver highly expressive, almost clownish performances — in the best way.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 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

Aside from the emotional and expressive range of her voice, Ms. Lennox’s best attribute is the earthy relatability of her lyrics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

And he’s not really talking, but he has very expressive brown eyes.

From "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.