comprehensive
Americanadjective
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of large scope; covering or involving much; inclusive.
a comprehensive study of world affairs.
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comprehending or thoroughly understanding with one's mind; having an extensive mental range or grasp, as of a particular subject or many subjects.
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Insurance. covering or providing broad protection against loss.
noun
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Also called comprehensive examination. Informal, none comprehensives. none comps an examination of extensive coverage given to measure a student's general progress, proficiency in their major field of study, or the like.
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the detailed layout of an advertisement, showing placement of photographs, illustrations, copy, etc., as for presentation to a client.
adjective
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of broad scope or content; including all or much
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(of a car insurance policy) providing protection against most risks, including third-party liability, fire, theft, and damage
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having the ability to understand
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of, relating to, or being a comprehensive school
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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noncomprehensivelyadverb
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precomprehensiveadjective
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uncomprehensivelyadverb
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uncomprehensivenessnoun
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precomprehensivenessnoun
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comprehensivelyadverb
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precomprehensivelyadverb
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uncomprehensiveadjective
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quasi-comprehensiveadjective
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quasi-comprehensivelyadverb
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noncomprehensivenessnoun
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comprehensivenessnoun
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noncomprehensiveadjective
Etymology
Origin of comprehensive
First recorded in 1605–15; from Late Latin comprehēnsīvus; see comprehension, -ive
Explanation
When you want to describe something that includes all or most details, you can use the adjective comprehensive. If you get the comprehensive treatment at a spa, it might include a massage, a manicure and a facial. Comprehensive is from Latin comprehensivus, from comprehensus, the source of English comprehend. In business, comprehensive insurance is insurance that covers a broad range, offering protection against most risks of a certain type. It applies mainly to car insurance.
Vocabulary lists containing comprehensive
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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Grade 9, List 1
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Jane Eyre
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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.
Those results drive endorsement by bodies like the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, whose guidelines determine what insurers will cover.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026
The company and Schmidt were accused of violating the California Comprehensive Computer Data Access and Fraud Act and other state laws.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026
Researchers from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and UC San Diego have identified new genetic mechanisms that influence how key immune cells decide their fate.
From Science Daily • Mar. 5, 2026
The two countries agreed last year to resume negotiations on a proposed free-trade deal, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026
Two girls from the Chase Comprehensive were phoning their dads from the phone box by Mr. Rhydd's.
From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
