Definition of explanativenext
as in interpretive
serving to explain an edition of Melville's novel that could use more explanative footnotes about whaling

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanative
Adjective
  • Still, Gu’s interpretive garment may be an early indicator of how Met Gala guests will arrive on the first Monday of May; after all, this year’s theme is Fashion is Art, and some will undoubtedly take direct inspiration from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s vast collection.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The art world’s interpretive frameworks operate as threshold mechanisms that determine what can surface into visibility and what remains structurally excluded.
    Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Fleming’s sets feel like an interpretative dance-heavy trip through one person’s notes app list of intrusive thoughts.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Every adaptation is its own interpretative argument, including this one, and its success depends on how well the production makes that argument.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Polished concrete floors, plaster walls, steel fixtures, and simple wood elements are frequently leveraged to create the restrained, monochromatic palette that is so illustrative of Brutalism.
    Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 2 Mar. 2026
  • In broader terms, the summer of 2023 is quite illustrative.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Longhorns insider David Eckert won in the explanatory category for a story about how climate change affects early-season football games.
    Sports Editor, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026
  • His films eschew traditional documentary techniques such as explanatory voice-over and talking-head interviews, and his presence isn’t acknowledged by on-camera subjects.
    Vikram Murthi, The Atlantic, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Along the way, Robbins spices his story through illuminative moments and mini-biographies.
    OregonLive.com, OregonLive.com, 14 Oct. 2017
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.

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“Explanative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanative. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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