Expansive
What it means
Broad in scope, outlook, space, or generosity.
Reach for it when praising breadth that creates room for ideas, people, or possibility
Her expansive proposal connected housing, transport, shade, and public health.
Words to choose between 7
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional |
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| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
big-tent
Fits when a group deliberately welcomes varied positions
Careful The political idiom is wrong for physical breadth or a detailed plan.
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everyday
Fits when extent across an area or subject is the plain fact
Careful Broad can mean nonspecific and does not imply openness or generosity.
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everyday
Fits when receptiveness to people or ideas matters
Careful Openness can be vulnerable or undecided rather than expansive.
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warm
Fits when giving spirit or ample provision is central
Careful Generosity concerns what is offered and may have nothing to do with scope.
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professional
Fits when many subjects or effects are included
Careful Range concerns coverage, not physical spaciousness or emotional openness.
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formal
far-reaching
Fits when effects extend well beyond the immediate setting
Careful Far-reaching describes consequence, not necessarily a broad outlook.
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literary
sweeping
Fits when breadth and dramatic reach deserve emphasis
Careful Sweeping can criticize careless generalization or excessive change.
Opposites 4
- narrow
- restricted
- cramped
- limited
Common phrases 3
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expansive view
The ridge offers an expansive view across the restored wetlands.
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expansive vision
Their expansive vision still included a practical first-year budget.
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expansive mood
In an expansive mood, the host invited the neighboring team to join dinner.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated