illustrative

adjective

il·​lus·​tra·​tive i-ˈlə-strə-tiv 

also

ˈi-lə-ˌstrā- 

: serving, tending, or designed to illustrate

illustrative examples

art that is illustrative of provincial life

illustratively adverb

Synonyms of illustrative

• interpretive
• interpretative
• explanative
• illuminative
• explanatory

Examples of illustrative in a Sentence

an illustrative analogy in which the relationship between God and humanity is likened to that between a shepherd and his flock

Recent Examples on the Web

This is an illustrative comparison, not actual bounty income. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026

In one illustrative moment, Hamilton touted a recent visit to Oakley, a city in western Kansas where Marshall abruptly ended a contentious town hall 19 months ago. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026

To Teare, that was illustrative of the problems with the agency’s tactics and lack of proper training and vetting of ICE officers. — Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 3 Nov. 2026

The report describes two loans the bank structured for team owners, and labels both as illustrative examples. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

illustrative

adjective

il·​lus·​tra·​tive il-ˈəs-trət-iv 

: serving or meant to illustrate

illustrative examples