Definition of illustrativenext
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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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of illustrative These examples are illustrative of the fact that athletes already take their fertility and menstrual cycles into consideration, Carson says. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026 The stunning indictment of Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota last week marked another illustrative example of the position’s outsized power, according to one top lawmaker. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 10 Aug. 2026 Marcus Rashford’s acquisition in January 2025 served as an illustrative example. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026 Those layers, which expand in Heartstopper Forever, are illustrative of Oseman’s approach that appreciates both the evolution inherent to queerness and the coming of age. — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for illustrative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrative
Adjective
  • For those who are tired of such narratives, the appeal of the show will be in its interpretive stagecraft, which is impressive and clever.
    — Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
  • This can be true, but only when the interpretive capability around those signals is developing alongside them.
    — Dhiraj Adya, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026
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
Adjective
  • Along the way, Robbins spices his story through illuminative moments and mini-biographies.
    — OregonLive.com, OregonLive.com, 14 Oct. 2017
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

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Cite this Entry

“Illustrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrative. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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