as in interpretive
serving to explain
an illustrative analogy in which the relationship between God and humanity is likened to that between a shepherd and his flock
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Recent Examples of illustrative
This latter remark is illustrative.
—
Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026
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
The vehicle depicted throughout was created using AI technology and is for illustrative purposes.
—Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 6 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrative
Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026
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
The vehicle depicted throughout was created using AI technology and is for illustrative purposes.
—Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 6 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrative
Adjective
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Still, Gu’s interpretive garment may be an early indicator of how Met Gala guests will arrive on the first Monday of May; after all, this year’s theme is Fashion is Art, and some will undoubtedly take direct inspiration from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s vast collection.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
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The art world’s interpretive frameworks operate as threshold mechanisms that determine what can surface into visibility and what remains structurally excluded.—
Anel Rakhimzhanova,
Artforum,
1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Every adaptation is its own interpretative argument, including this one, and its success depends on how well the production makes that argument.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
26 Feb. 2026
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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
Adjective
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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
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Along the way, Robbins spices his story through illuminative moments and mini-biographies.—
OregonLive.com,
OregonLive.com,
14 Oct. 2017
Adjective
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Longhorns insider David Eckert won in the explanatory category for a story about how climate change affects early-season football games.—
Sports Editor,
Austin American Statesman,
25 Feb. 2026
-
His films eschew traditional documentary techniques such as explanatory voice-over and talking-head interviews, and his presence isn’t acknowledged by on-camera subjects.—
Vikram Murthi,
The Atlantic,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illustrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrative. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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