as in interpretive
serving to explain
illuminative descriptions of the sights to be seen from the observatory gave us a much better idea of what we were looking at
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Recent Examples of illuminative
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
Along the way, Robbins spices his story through illuminative moments and mini-biographies.
—OregonLive.com, 14 Oct. 2017
J.d. Simkins, Sunset Magazine, 17 Feb. 2022
Along the way, Robbins spices his story through illuminative moments and mini-biographies.
—OregonLive.com, 14 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminative
Adjective
-
In effect, the brain builds a new interpretive map, using touch to stand in for chemical perception.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
12 Jan. 2026
-
There’s so much to see on the Jackson Hill Trail System, a public recreation area that includes winding trails; historic exhibits, landmarks, and interpretive markers; and a unique attraction called the Labyrinth of Rome.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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There are various interpretative signs and points of interest along the way, including famous Creek Street and both Ketchikan museums.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
9 Jan. 2026
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With her powerful voice and hypnotic interpretative quality, Peluso seems tailor-made for this.—
Sigal Ratner-Arias,
Billboard,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
That hypocrisy is illustrative of Bondi’s time as attorney general from day one.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Jan. 2026
-
These tools provide illustrative estimates.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
2 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illuminative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illuminative. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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