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
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
And yet, the tension captured in that comment is illustrative of a dynamic that has made the Bears exciting and fun to root for this season.
—Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 4 Dec. 2025
The title track is particularly illustrative of the importance of the road to his songwriting.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrative
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
And yet, the tension captured in that comment is illustrative of a dynamic that has made the Bears exciting and fun to root for this season.
—Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 4 Dec. 2025
The title track is particularly illustrative of the importance of the road to his songwriting.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrative
Adjective
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After meandering through the small interpretive museum, guests finish with a tasting of the island’s core styles, from dry Sercial to sweet Malmsey.—
Lauren Mowery,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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The project will also fund the addition of an adult fitness area, restroom improvements, renovated batting cages, improved pickleball facilities, beanbag toss games, and the native restoration of woodland and wetland areas with interpretive signage, the park district said.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
21 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
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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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Her vision for the network’s future involves not just breaking news but also explanatory journalism, investigations, and collaborations with personalities who have grown their own audiences online.—
Clare Malone,
New Yorker,
19 Jan. 2026
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The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy.—
Adriana Morga,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illustrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrative. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
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