as in informative
providing useful information or knowledge
an instructive demonstration of the proper way to pack a suitcase so your clothes don't arrive in a mess
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Recent Examples of instructive
Madison and our moment Madison’s vision is instructive in this moment when debates on religious freedom often center on Christianity, especially in disputes over education, rights and discrimination.
—
Corey D. B. Walker, The Conversation, 9 Mar. 2026
Japan’s experience in the two oil crises was very different than that in the United States – and highly instructive.
—Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
But Friedrich’s concluding statement about nostalgia is as instructive as Selznick’s dire quote.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2026
And as a result, the show — accompanied by some quite instructive poster art — stays true to the book’s lusty approach to ethically ambiguous relationships in academia.
—Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instructive
Corey D. B. Walker, The Conversation, 9 Mar. 2026
Japan’s experience in the two oil crises was very different than that in the United States – and highly instructive.
—Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
But Friedrich’s concluding statement about nostalgia is as instructive as Selznick’s dire quote.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2026
And as a result, the show — accompanied by some quite instructive poster art — stays true to the book’s lusty approach to ethically ambiguous relationships in academia.
—Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instructive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instructive
Adjective
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At the Space House activation, panels were informative but confined to a small space, where attendees found limited room, two small sponsor booths and little interactivity.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Mar. 2026
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The National Weather Service forum will be informative, Walker said, including a discussion about what residents should pack in a preparedness kit before a storm hits.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Pathways to Citizenship is committed to cultivating the next generation of advocates through meaningful volunteer opportunities while providing skilled legal representation and educational support for immigrant families throughout San Diego.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
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Angela Noel, daughter of the late educator and civil rights activist, said her mother's push for educational equity was not without resistance.—
Anna Alejo,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Perhaps most consequential in this move will be the expansion of the states’ authority and responsibility for educative quality within their jurisdictions.—
Blake D. Morant,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
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While apples-to-apples comparisons aren’t possible, a look at the streaming businesses is educative for identifying longer-term trends.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Author of four books, Lovely spent 35 years serving K-12 schools in many capacities including instructional aide, teacher, principal, central office administrator and superintendent, and has 10 years of experience in human resources.—
Marsha Sutton,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
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Cvitkovich told the candidates Gary has instructional coaches in each school, but also has organized professional development districtwide.—
Carole Carlson,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Üsküdar / Istanbul This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
17 Mar. 2026
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The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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In one of the novel’s most illuminating scenes, Emily explains her novel to her sisters, reaching for their worn copy of Paradise Lost to make her point.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Mar. 2026
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The gals’ night together becomes an illuminating, madcap journey, transforming their feud into friendship.—
Courtney Howard,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instructive. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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