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explanatory

adjective

ik-ˈspla-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce explanatory (audio)
Definition of explanatorynext
as in interpretative
serving to explain the explanatory section has as its heading "What the New Tax Changes Mean"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of explanatory Tighter supply will reopen the spread between markets, and the map will win back some of its explanatory power. — Tony Julianelle, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 With its grand explanatory ambitions, theory swept away doubt, offering in its place the certitudes of an all-encompassing system. — Literary Hub, 21 July 2026 Several awards recognized accountability and explanatory reporting. — Bryce Martin, Mercury News, 2 July 2026 The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for explanatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanatory
  1. interpretative
  2. interpretive
  3. illustrative
Adjective
  • Another way this plays out in the book is in my analysis of how re-translators often echo or follow one another, rather than looking afresh at the interpretative possibilities of the originals.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The effects of such abstemiousness are less clear, though a pair of new movies point in two very different interpretative directions.
    — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of interpretative
Adjective
  • Not in some ambiguous, interpretive way—but with your actual eyes.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026
  • There are five switchback landings with interpretive displays, benches and new ways to view the river and the falls.
    — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of interpretive
Adjective
  • The relationship between the two is certainly not illustrative.
    — Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The ongoing debate about whether the measure would include data centers, Owen said, is illustrative of a broader issue with its language.
    — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of illustrative

Browse Nearby Words

explanative
explanatory
expletive
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Cite this Entry

“Explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanatory. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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