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.
It’s not uncommon for dermatologists to lack a comprehensive fix for her patients’ hair loss.
From Slate • May 23, 2026
A 2025 comprehensive review concluded that B12 deficiency remains a modifiable risk factor for neurological and cognitive problems, especially in high risk groups such as older adults and vegetarians.
From Science Daily • May 22, 2026
“As a U.S.-regulated exchange we are proud of our comprehensive protections against insider trading,” Kalshi spokeswoman Elisabeth Diana said in a statement to Barron’s.
From Barron's • May 22, 2026
Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns called the social media video "deeply concerning" and said there must be a "full and comprehensive investigation into what happened".
From BBC • May 21, 2026
Every four years, an international group of educators administers a comprehensive mathematics and science test to elementary and junior high students around the world.
From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell
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.
