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explicative

adjective

ek-ˈspli-kə-tiv How to pronounce explicative (audio)
Definition of explicativenext
as in interpretive
serving to explain a dearth of explicative material to help the layman understand the difficult subject matter

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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicative
  1. interpretive
  2. interpretative
  3. illustrative
  4. explanatory
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
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Alongside many objects is an explanatory note handwritten on hotel stationery with his trusty Lamy pen, which is available for purchase for 55 euros.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026
  • And now, in perhaps the most ridiculous and explanatory example of the league's fandom, has seen her name banned from the WNBA subreddit.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of explanatory

Browse Nearby Words

explications
explicative
explicatory
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Cite this Entry

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

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