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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The surrounding landscape was shaped by lava flows and erosion over millions of years, according to interpretive information posted throughout the park.—
Corey Schmidt,
Sacbee.com,
6 May 2026 -
Allen’s exhibitions have often been accompanied by press releases that do heavy interpretive lifting, postulating formal qualities that don’t always match what’s on view.—
Maximilíano Durón,
ARTnews.com,
6 May 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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That’s illustrative, not guaranteed, and real returns will vary with market conditions.—
Allison Palmer,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2026
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But last night was illustrative of his season so far.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The San Francisco Chronicle received the award for explanatory reporting, which means work that makes a complex topic comprehensible to everyday readers and viewers.—
Jennifer Peltz,
Twin Cities,
4 May 2026
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The award for explanatory reporting went to the San Francisco Chronicle for coverage that showed how insurance companies use algorithms to systematically undervalue properties.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
4 May 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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Cite this Entry
“Explanative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanative. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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