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

• interpretive
• interpretative
• explanative
• illuminative
• analytical
• 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

Windows 10’s market share is up on a month ago, at least according to Statcounter’s illustrative data, leaving more than 700 million users who can’t or won’t ‘t upgrade relying on an extended support option to ensure their PCs remain protected. —Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Radiology provides an illustrative example of automation overreach. —David Autor, The Atlantic, 24 Aug. 2025

An illustrative photo of a Chicago Transit Authority train that derailed in 2008. —Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025

The incident is illustrative of something experts have long feared in the contentious South China Sea; one mistake by one captain or pilot could lead to a superpower military confrontation. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025

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