as in interpretive
serving to explain
a dearth of explicative material to help the layman understand the difficult subject matter
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Recent Examples of explicative
While Clarkson was amazed by her skills, Parton was able to slip in an explicative on daytime television.
—
Vulture, 21 Dec. 2022
Much of the dialogue is obvious and explicative; young Bode sometimes sounds like a middle-aged professor.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2020
There are periodic explicative orations about the state of the nation.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 1 Nov. 2019
Video posted on the Twitter feed of Robin Bell shows the explicative term in question emblazoned across the wall of the hotel, backed by a cascade of poop emojis.
—Michelle Hunter, NOLA.com, 14 Jan. 2018
Vulture, 21 Dec. 2022
Much of the dialogue is obvious and explicative; young Bode sometimes sounds like a middle-aged professor.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2020
There are periodic explicative orations about the state of the nation.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 1 Nov. 2019
Video posted on the Twitter feed of Robin Bell shows the explicative term in question emblazoned across the wall of the hotel, backed by a cascade of poop emojis.
—Michelle Hunter, NOLA.com, 14 Jan. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicative
Adjective
-
This includes visitor centers, campgrounds, and interpretive programming.—
Maryam Siddiqi,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Oct. 2025
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The back-up dancers captured interpretive elements of Carrión’s discography and demonstrated their skill and strength while performing gravity-defying breakdancing numbers and theatrical battle scenes.—
Rosy Alvarez,
Rolling Stone,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The exercise itself is illustrative of an elevated standard.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
30 Sep. 2025
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While demographers, economists and sociologists agree on the challenges the declining birth rate could bring, some have argued that is also illustrative of societal progress—namely choice.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
There was no need for explanatory speeches.—
Justin Davidson,
Vulture,
22 Sep. 2025
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The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explicative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explicative. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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