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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This illustrative image from June 12 shows activists rallying outside Egypt's Journalists Syndicate in Cairo.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 June 2025 -
This illustrative image shows a Ukrainian drone operator pilots an attack drone near the southern frontline on February 21, 2024.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 June 2025
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
Adjective
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Of all the various isms proposed to capture Trump’s ideology, social Darwinism has perhaps the most explanatory power.—
Erik Baker,
Harpers Magazine,
18 June 2025
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That by itself seemed innocuous, and thus the prosecutor (who did not have easy access to the explanatory data) was unable to explain to the judge why the office had decided to seek confinement.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Explanative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanative. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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