Definition of illustrativenext
as in interpretive
serving to explain an illustrative analogy in which the relationship between God and humanity is likened to that between a shepherd and his flock

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of illustrative Other early texts describe the Dao through illustrative anecdotes. Michael Naparstek, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 Volkswagen's challenges are illustrative of the headwinds facing the broader European automotive industry, Luman said, citing challenges on the road to full electrification, competition with Chinese car brands and export problems in major markets. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 2 July 2026 Winslow Homer’s The Morning Bell (originally The Old Mill, pictured above) is illustrative of this distinction in art. Literary Hub, 10 June 2026 Golinger pointed to NextEra Energy as an illustrative example of how the dynamics can compound over time. Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for illustrative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrative
Adjective
  • Other activities at this state park include camping, picnic tables with grills, a playground, a reservable shelter, and interpretive nature programs offered from Memorial Day until Labor Day.
    Zuri Primos July 26, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • During longer waits for a table—more than 2 hours on some weekends—visitors are encouraged to walk around the property, which is lined with hiking trails and dotted with interpretive displays on the Winnebago people.
    Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • The nonprofit is dedicated to promoting forest conservation efforts through exhibits, with interpretative trails around the site that venture through lush forest canopies.
    Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026
  • When subtle interpretative differences compound over months and miles, your original vision becomes unrecognizable on the front lines.
    Peter Ross, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Along the way, Robbins spices his story through illuminative moments and mini-biographies.
    OregonLive.com, OregonLive.com, 14 Oct. 2017
Adjective
  • The guild’s campaign includes a one-sheet explaining its support for the bill, as well as an entire section on its website dedicated to explanatory information.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 31 July 2026
  • Tighter supply will reopen the spread between markets, and the map will win back some of its explanatory power.
    Tony Julianelle, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Illustrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrative. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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