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

Marcus Rashford’s acquisition in January 2025 served as an illustrative example. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Those layers, which expand in Heartstopper Forever, are illustrative of Oseman’s approach that appreciates both the evolution inherent to queerness and the coming of age. — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026

Any references to academic studies or surveys are for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as endorsements. — Wes Moss, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

The crackdown is illustrative of an intensifying authoritarian consolidation under Erdoğan, who has been in power for more than two decades. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 9 July 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