Definition of explanativenext
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
  • The move comes after staff at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia removed interpretive panels about slavery from the President’s House historical site.
    Outside, Outside, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The cultural site was acquired by the city of Poway in 1987 as a way to preserve archeological features on the knoll, said Yoly Cohen, an interpretive park ranger in Poway’s Community Services Department.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • There are various interpretative signs and points of interest along the way, including famous Creek Street and both Ketchikan museums.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
  • With her powerful voice and hypnotic interpretative quality, Peluso seems tailor-made for this.
    Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • This information including any specific securities mentioned is for educational, entertainment and illustrative purposes only and not a recommendation or solicitation to purchase or sell any individual security.
    David Thomas, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
  • But the decision was illustrative of the confidence, or lack thereof, Houston had in its offense.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Your first thought might be that the purpose of each room is self explanatory—kitchen is for cooking, bedroom is for sleeping, living room is for relaxing or entertaining—but Guest encourages homeowners to dig deeper.
    Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Her vision for the network’s future involves not just breaking news but also explanatory journalism, investigations, and collaborations with personalities who have grown their own audiences online.
    Clare Malone, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 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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Cite this Entry

“Explanative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanative. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

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