as in graphic
having many features or details
He told a descriptive story about his trip to Spain that captured our attention. An overly descriptive account of the movie that left little to the imagination.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of descriptive
Modern magazine journalism generally combines factual reporting with narrative storytelling techniques, including scene-setting, descriptive detail, and literary-style writing.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 May 2026
Being perfectly descriptive does not mean something is predictive.
—Michael Salfino, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Come up with a basic, descriptive title for each dish; in small text underneath, briefly describe what the dish is.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2026
Often, Therrien did not give his works descriptive titles, preferring instead that his viewers invest his art with meaning.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for descriptive
Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 May 2026
Being perfectly descriptive does not mean something is predictive.
—Michael Salfino, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Come up with a basic, descriptive title for each dish; in small text underneath, briefly describe what the dish is.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2026
Often, Therrien did not give his works descriptive titles, preferring instead that his viewers invest his art with meaning.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for descriptive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for descriptive
Adjective
-
The movie is written by Heartstopper creator, executive producer and graphic novelist Alice Oseman.—
Lily Brown,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
-
The rest of the multihyphenate artist’s look included gray wool trousers, a graphic T-shirt and a burgundy leather jacket with a significant foldover element.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
Would a George Kirby-for-Tarik Skubal trade be a realistic framework for a deal between the Tigers and Mariners?—
Jim Bowden,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
-
The costumes are more fantastical than grittily realistic as well, with a hip Steampunk vibe that’s more fashionable than purely Victorian.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
The smoky eyes of Duchess Birgitte of Gloucester The Duchess paired her vivid lips—painted in a bright shade of pink, very close to coral—with anthracite-toned eyelids, perfectly complementing her playful silver hairstyle.—
Laura Scafati,
Vanity Fair,
20 June 2026
-
Highlight details are more vivid and color bleeding is minimized.—
Nam Sunwoo,
Variety,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
But Jenkin’s style ties directly to his subjects and his expressive philosophy.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
19 June 2026
-
People were very expressive on both sides.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
Comprising three acres with direct access to a sandy beach on Staples Cove, the Cape Elizabeth property sits along a particularly picturesque stretch of Maine’s coastline.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
20 June 2026
-
The pop star, 30, and actor, 36, tied the knot at an intimate civil wedding in London on May 31 before having a second, more lavish and picturesque wedding on a Sicilian island on June 6.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
The wranglers hurriedly unpacked him, and Paul, greatly agitated, dived into the duffel bags after his photographic gear.—
Dolores Brown,
Outdoor Life,
17 June 2026
-
Edelstein, 60, observes that the vintage nature of her photographic reference material is key.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
-
Assuming current forecasts are accurate, the beast currently forming over the Pacific Ocean could do much more than tweak rainfall patterns.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
Adjective
-
Even though the film had no specific political focus.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
23 June 2026
-
The specific programs targeted by the EPA regulate emissions from vehicles, lawn and garden equipment, and generators.—
Haley Parsley
June 22,
Sacbee.com,
23 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Descriptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/descriptive. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
