Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
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.

This front room is also where Angela consoled her son when he was targeted by school bullies at the local comprehensive.

From BBC

In 2018 Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that increasing myopia posed a threat to the country’s future that required comprehensive social and government responses.

From The Wall Street Journal

Milan were set on their way to a comprehensive victory on the stroke of half-time by Christian Pulisic who continued his sensational form by scoring his eighth goal in 11 Serie A appearances.

From Barron's

Details on all of that and a heck of a lot more are in this year’s comprehensive report.

From The Wall Street Journal

This comprehensive approach not only provides new insight into Greenland's geological past but also strengthens scientists' ability to model how the ice sheet may change in the future.

From Science Daily