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
Burns’s distinctive, sharp-edge illustrative style places a smooth surface between the reader and the emotional turbulence below.
—
Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Hypothetical examples have been provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation.
—William Jones, USA Today, 15 May 2025
The book marks the second in Barnett's retelling releases, following 2022's The Three Billy Goats Gruff, which featured illustrative work from Jon Klassen and became a bestseller.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 13 May 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
See All Example Sentences for illustrative
Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Hypothetical examples have been provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation.
—William Jones, USA Today, 15 May 2025
The book marks the second in Barnett's retelling releases, following 2022's The Three Billy Goats Gruff, which featured illustrative work from Jon Klassen and became a bestseller.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 13 May 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
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
-
That by itself seemed innocuous, and thus the prosecutor (who did not have easy access to the explanatory data) was unable to explain to the judge why the office had decided to seek confinement.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2025
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Prose can do these things too, but the model is often more didactic, explanatory, and, at its worst, plodding.—
Rebecca Solnit
May 27,
Literary Hub,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrative. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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