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
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Recent Examples of illustrative
Polished concrete floors, plaster walls, steel fixtures, and simple wood elements are frequently leveraged to create the restrained, monochromatic palette that is so illustrative of Brutalism.
—
Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 2 Mar. 2026
In broader terms, the summer of 2023 is quite illustrative.
—George Caulkin, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Above information is for illustrative purposes only and has been obtained from reliable sources but no guarantee is made with regard to accuracy or completeness.
—David Thomas, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
But the decision was illustrative of the confidence, or lack thereof, Houston had in its offense.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrative
Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 2 Mar. 2026
In broader terms, the summer of 2023 is quite illustrative.
—George Caulkin, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Above information is for illustrative purposes only and has been obtained from reliable sources but no guarantee is made with regard to accuracy or completeness.
—David Thomas, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
But the decision was illustrative of the confidence, or lack thereof, Houston had in its offense.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrative
Adjective
-
The surrounding landscape was shaped by lava flows and erosion over millions of years, according to interpretive information posted throughout the park.—
Corey Schmidt,
Sacbee.com,
6 May 2026
-
Allen’s exhibitions have often been accompanied by press releases that do heavy interpretive lifting, postulating formal qualities that don’t always match what’s on view.—
Maximilíano Durón,
ARTnews.com,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Emmie’s condition is an interpretative riddle for both her parents and the reader.—
Giles Harvey,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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Will the academy troll Chalamet (and the rest of us) with an interpretative dance performance?—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Hybrid lanterns that meet the aforementioned criteria are indeed out there, waiting to illuminate your next campsite, glamping trip, picnic, late-night reading session, or simply to add a little illuminative flare to that embarrassingly barren bookshelf in time for the next Zoom meeting.—
J.D. Simkins,
Sunset Magazine,
17 Feb. 2022
-
Along the way, Robbins spices his story through illuminative moments and mini-biographies.—
OregonLive.com,
OregonLive.com,
14 Oct. 2017
Adjective
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The San Francisco Chronicle received the award for explanatory reporting, which means work that makes a complex topic comprehensible to everyday readers and viewers.—
Jennifer Peltz,
Twin Cities,
4 May 2026
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The award for explanatory reporting went to the San Francisco Chronicle for coverage that showed how insurance companies use algorithms to systematically undervalue properties.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illustrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrative. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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