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
There is still emerging research on how hail forms so the NOAA graphic above is meant for illustrative purposes.
—
Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
The 2024 presidential election in New Jersey is particularly illustrative, with the state shifting from D+16% to D+6% between 2020 and 2024.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 7 Mar. 2025
Like its poetic English-language title, the allegorical tale can be a little confusing to interpret at times, but looks striking in its line-free illustrative style.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Mar. 2025
These are just illustrative examples using the existing plans and may not be representative, given that Republicans are considering creating a new IDR plan without any student loan forgiveness.
—Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrative
Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
The 2024 presidential election in New Jersey is particularly illustrative, with the state shifting from D+16% to D+6% between 2020 and 2024.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 7 Mar. 2025
Like its poetic English-language title, the allegorical tale can be a little confusing to interpret at times, but looks striking in its line-free illustrative style.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Mar. 2025
These are just illustrative examples using the existing plans and may not be representative, given that Republicans are considering creating a new IDR plan without any student loan forgiveness.
—Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrative
Adjective
-
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
-
Remember, the term ORC is descriptive, not explanatory.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Then on Monday, Musk shared an explanatory video that promoted free trade.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrative. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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