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
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comprehensivelyadverb
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comprehensivenessnoun
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noncomprehensiveadjective
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noncomprehensivelyadverb
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noncomprehensivenessnoun
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precomprehensiveadjective
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precomprehensivelyadverb
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precomprehensivenessnoun
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quasi-comprehensiveadjective
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quasi-comprehensivelyadverb
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uncomprehensiveadjective
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uncomprehensivelyadverb
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uncomprehensivenessnoun
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 who remember Wishbone and his many adventures can now dive into the incredible behind-the-scenes feat that producing the show entailed in the new comprehensive documentary “What’s the Story, Wishbone?” from director Joey Stewart.
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
Several smaller studies conducted in Indonesia had already suggested that drinking guava juice might raise hemoglobin levels, but researchers said the overall evidence had not previously been reviewed together in a comprehensive analysis.
From Science Daily • May 27, 2026
“Polymarket maintains a comprehensive market integrity framework,” a spokesperson for the company said.
From Barron's • May 22, 2026
"To compete with Western athletes in terms of physical condition, they would need comprehensive management, including a meat-heavy diet and sufficient nutrition, but in most cases that is not possible."
From BBC • May 22, 2026
Since Randall wished to convince the outside committee that he had a productive research group, he had instructed his people to draw up a comprehensive summary of their accomplishments.
From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson
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.
