as in interpretive
serving to explain
an edition of Melville's novel that could use more explanative footnotes about whaling
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanative
Adjective
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That burden, along with the conventions of the true-crime genre, not to mention that of theater in service of a political point, sometimes hampers the interpretive space of the actors and the creative team, who have to spend a lot of their time getting the facts and the history across.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026 -
The site also features three miles of nature trails and a Treetop Discovery Tower with views of Lake Huron, the Straits of Mackinac and Mackinac Island, along with interpretive programming that explains how sawn lumber was rafted across behind sailing ships.—
Andy Morrison,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Emmie’s condition is an interpretative riddle for both her parents and the reader.—
Giles Harvey,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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Will the academy troll Chalamet (and the rest of us) with an interpretative dance performance?—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But last night was illustrative of his season so far.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
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Maps may show metro lines in different colors, but that’s usually just for illustrative purposes.—
Laura Itzkowitz,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
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The final selection included 59 images presented in sequence—two per page—without captions or any explanatory text.—
Vanity Fair,
Vanity Fair,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Hybrid lanterns that meet the aforementioned criteria are indeed out there, waiting to illuminate your next campsite, glamping trip, picnic, late-night reading session, or simply to add a little illuminative flare to that embarrassingly barren bookshelf in time for the next Zoom meeting.—
J.D. Simkins,
Sunset Magazine,
17 Feb. 2022
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Along the way, Robbins spices his story through illuminative moments and mini-biographies.—
OregonLive.com,
OregonLive.com,
14 Oct. 2017
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“Explanative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanative. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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