Definition of explicatorynext
as in interpretive
serving to explain most of the medical film's voice-over narration consists of explicatory remarks on the images being shown

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 explicatory But Reichardt has no interest in the kind of conventional storytelling that requires clues and revelations building to an explicatory conclusion. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Aug. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicatory
Adjective
  • Not only is the castle open to explore with interpretive panels for guidance, but the surrounding grounds offer excellent hiking trails, picnic areas, and great bird-watching, too, for the kind of refined outdoor adventure that never goes out of style.
    Jacqueline Kehoe, Midwest Living, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The answer is probably the former, but the album’s accumulation of lines like this is enough to throw you a bit, to let in a minor interpretive shift that changes the song’s whole meaning.
    Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Emmie’s condition is an interpretative riddle for both her parents and the reader.
    Giles Harvey, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Will the academy troll Chalamet (and the rest of us) with an interpretative dance performance?
    Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s illustrative, not guaranteed, and real returns will vary with market conditions.
    Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2026
  • But last night was illustrative of his season so far.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Explicatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explicatory. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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