indicative

1 of 2

adjective

in·​dic·​a·​tive in-ˈdi-kə-tiv 

1

: serving to indicate

actions indicative of fear

2

: of, relating to, or constituting a verb form or set of verb forms that represents the denoted act or state as an objective fact

the indicative mood

indicatively adverb

indicative

2 of 2

noun

1

: the indicative mood of a language

2

: a form in the indicative mood

Synonyms of indicative

Adjective

• reflective
• characteristic

Examples of indicative in a Sentence

Adjective

In “I walked to school,” the verb walked is in the indicative mood.

a wide-eyed look that is indicative of his constant curiosity

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Food and drink Though many larger chain hotels often defer to European cuisine to be indicative of high culture, SEA wisely does the opposite. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Mar. 2026

One specimen examined by Brochu’s team displayed multiple, partially healed jaw injuries indicative of a brawl with a fellow ambush predator. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 12 Mar. 2026

Noun

But strategists say Moore’s prime-time slot at a Democratic event in a state indicative of how Democrats will perform across the country says more about Moore’s future plans than the governor’s own remarks. —Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025

When visitors arrive at the Outpost, or any Spaces site, they'll be surrounded by materials, architectural character and design indicative of Rivian's brand identity. —George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing indicative

• the indicative

Rhymes for indicative

• duplicative
• fricative
• multiplicative

Kids Definition

indicative

1 of 2 adjective

in·​dic·​a·​tive in-ˈdik-ət-iv 

1

: of, relating to, or being the grammatical mood that represents an act or state as a fact that can be known or proved

in "I am here," the verb "am" is in the indicative mood

2

: indicating something

remarks indicative of jealousy

indicatively adverb

indicative

2 of 2 noun

: the indicative mood of a verb or a verb in this mood