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
- 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.
The book is a comprehensive narrative biography of Albert Spalding but fails to keep its stories straight or put its subject’s life in context.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026
Findlay told the event in Edinburgh: "This manifesto is our most detailed plan ever for making that vision a reality. It is comprehensive, costed and credible."
From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026
A new comprehensive survey this week by the research group Focaldata digs deep into the attitudes of thousands of voters likely to take part in the Democratic primaries.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026
The reimbursement rate for a comprehensive eye exam is about $47, said Kristine Shultz, association executive director.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026
His response was to submit to the society a comprehensive paper on light and colours.
From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin
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.
