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Synonyms

comprehensive

American  
[kom-pri-hen-siv] / ˌkɒm prɪˈhɛn sɪv /

adjective

  1. of large scope; covering or involving much; inclusive.

    a comprehensive study of world affairs.

    Synonyms:
    full, extensive, wide, broad
  2. comprehending or thoroughly understanding with one's mind; having an extensive mental range or grasp, as of a particular subject or many subjects.

  3. Insurance. covering or providing broad protection against loss.


noun

  1. Also called comprehensive examinationInformal, 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.

  2. the detailed layout of an advertisement, showing placement of photographs, illustrations, copy, etc., as for presentation to a client.

comprehensive British  
/ ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪv /

adjective

  1. of broad scope or content; including all or much

  2. (of a car insurance policy) providing protection against most risks, including third-party liability, fire, theft, and damage

  3. having the ability to understand

  4. of, relating to, or being a comprehensive school

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. short for comprehensive school

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • comprehensively adverb
  • comprehensiveness noun
  • noncomprehensive adjective
  • noncomprehensively adverb
  • noncomprehensiveness noun
  • precomprehensive adjective
  • precomprehensively adverb
  • precomprehensiveness noun
  • quasi-comprehensive adjective
  • quasi-comprehensively adverb
  • uncomprehensive adjective
  • uncomprehensively adverb
  • uncomprehensiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of comprehensive

First recorded in 1605–15; from Late Latin comprehēnsīvus; comprehension, -ive

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.

"I encourage you to conduct a comprehensive review of Apple's terms of service and ensure that Apple News' curation of articles is consistent with those terms," he added.

From BBC

Telus said the appointment of Dodig was part of a comprehensive succession plan, which is itself a facet of the company’s regular planning for all senior executives.

From The Wall Street Journal

During the City Council hearing last week, Pinto said the department’s press shop would continue focusing on dealing with outside media inquiries, but that the new civil service-exempt role would draft “comprehensive integrated communication plans.”

From Los Angeles Times

Responsive Customer Support: When issues arise, you want access to helpful support via live chat, email, or comprehensive documentation.

From Salon

He said that he had inherited a "completely broken down" system of public administration and justice that required a comprehensive overhaul.

From Barron's