instructive

adjective

in·​struc·​tive in-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce instructive (audio)
Synonyms of instructivenext
: carrying a lesson : enlightening
instructively adverb
instructiveness noun

Examples of instructive in a Sentence

an interesting and instructive lesson an instructive demonstration of the proper way to pack a suitcase so your clothes don't arrive in a mess
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The historical precedent is instructive. Bobby Ghosh, Time, 18 Jan. 2026 Here, the comparison to elite athletics is instructive. Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026 Watching any zombie movie when things are bad in the world is very instructive. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 Jan. 2026 Visually, the contrast with MyPlate is instructive. Debbie Millman, STAT, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instructive

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of instructive was in 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instructive. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

instructive

adjective
in·​struc·​tive in-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce instructive (audio)
: giving knowledge : helping to instruct or inform
an instructive experience
instructively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on instructive

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