Definition of COMPREHENSIVE (original) (raw)
1
: covering completely or broadly : inclusive
comprehensive examinations
2
: having or exhibiting wide mental grasp
Synonyms
Examples of comprehensive in a Sentence
Natalie's every move was photographed, a documentation of a happy childhood as comprehensive as it was false. —
John Gregory Dunne, New York Review of Books, 15 Jan. 2004 Inevitably, though, in so comprehensive an account, some important events and themes are cursorily checked off … —Isabel Fonseca, Times Literary Supplement, 29 Jan. 1993 Walcott proceeded to misinterpret these fossils in a comprehensive and thoroughly consistent manner … —Stephen Jay Gould, Wonderful Life, 1989
a comprehensive overview of European history since the French Revolution a comprehensive listing of all the paintings generally attributed to the Dutch artist Rembrandt
Recent Examples on the Web Workshops will help participants develop comprehensive business plans and prepare pitches that will be presented in competitions for prizes. —Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 22 June 2024 Lawmakers and advocacy groups continue to push for stronger protections and more comprehensive measures to prevent gun violence. —Jaida Joyner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 June 2024 The city has an opportunity to join others in the nation committing to comprehensive services for those behind bars, designed not merely to improve their living conditions but also to increase their chances of successfully reentering society. —Editorial Board, Washington Post, 21 June 2024 Backstreet Cultural Museum The Backstreet Cultural Museum holds the world’s most comprehensive collection related to New Orleans’s African American community traditions, including Mardi Gras Indians, jazz funerals, social aid and pleasure clubs, Baby Dolls, and Skull and Bone gangs. —Jaha Nailah Avery, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for comprehensive 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'comprehensive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
see comprehension
First Known Use
1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of comprehensive was in 1614
Dictionary Entries Near comprehensive
Cite this Entry
“Comprehensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comprehensive. Accessed 3 Jul. 2024.
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Last Updated: 28 Jun 2024 - Updated example sentences
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