instructive
adjective
in·struc·tive
in-ˈstrək-tiv 
: 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
The most instructive perspective comes from the port of Torre Annunziata, where two Syrian workers are stationed on an enormous tank loaded with Ukrainian grain.
—
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2026
The instructive halftime remarks of H-F coach Tony Smith also sparked a sense of urgency.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Trump has, on more than one occasion, declared that tariff is his favorite word—an odd but instructive choice.
—Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
Why This Research Stands Out for AI Applications For anyone tracking how AI is being applied outside its usual domains of business optimization and data analytics, this research offers a specific and instructive case study.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instructive
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Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2026
The instructive halftime remarks of H-F coach Tony Smith also sparked a sense of urgency.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Trump has, on more than one occasion, declared that tariff is his favorite word—an odd but instructive choice.
—Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
Why This Research Stands Out for AI Applications For anyone tracking how AI is being applied outside its usual domains of business optimization and data analytics, this research offers a specific and instructive case study.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instructive
Cite this Entry
“Instructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instructive. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
instructive
adjective
in·struc·tive
in-ˈstrək-tiv
: giving knowledge : helping to instruct or inform
an instructive experience
instructively
adverb
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