Thesaurus results for ILLUSTRATIVE

illustrative

adjective

i-ˈlə-strə-tiv

Definition of illustrative

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

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 illustrative Any references to academic studies or surveys are for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as endorsements. — Wes Moss, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 The crackdown is illustrative of an intensifying authoritarian consolidation under Erdoğan, who has been in power for more than two decades. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 9 July 2026 Other early texts describe the Dao through illustrative anecdotes. — Michael Naparstek, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 Volkswagen's challenges are illustrative of the headwinds facing the broader European automotive industry, Luman said, citing challenges on the road to full electrification, competition with Chinese car brands and export problems in major markets. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for illustrative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrative

Adjective

Cadet will work with architect Rodney Leon, who is also of Haitian descent, and who will advise on the interpretive writing and symbolic elements of the statue and its lighting and siting.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
One-on-one, face-to-face discussions trigger key interpretive understandings that are authentic to each stakeholder.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of interpretive

Adjective

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
The nonprofit is dedicated to promoting forest conservation efforts through exhibits, with interpretative trails around the site that venture through lush forest canopies.

— Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026

Definition of interpretative

Adjective

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
The mods think Reddit might have designated the website—and thus any post using its content for explanatory illustrations—as spam.

— Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of explanatory

Browse Nearby Words

illustrations

illustrative

illustrious

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

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Synonyms of illustrative

adjective

Example Sentences

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