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
Robertson, who is often compared to Andy Warhol for his illustrative style and pop culture influences, has a background that reads like a who's-who of the art and fashion worlds.
—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
And yet, in certain ways, the film doesn’t go as deep as Orwell’s observations; its choice of illustrative material generally hews to contemporary party lines, even while showcasing wise words that render such distinctions all but meaningless.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
Drawing a line between Merrill’s performance and the team’s results the past week, however, would be illustrative of nothing.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
The primary is the main character print, which is more complex and illustrative.
—Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrative
Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
And yet, in certain ways, the film doesn’t go as deep as Orwell’s observations; its choice of illustrative material generally hews to contemporary party lines, even while showcasing wise words that render such distinctions all but meaningless.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
Drawing a line between Merrill’s performance and the team’s results the past week, however, would be illustrative of nothing.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
The primary is the main character print, which is more complex and illustrative.
—Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrative
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
-
Of all the various isms proposed to capture Trump’s ideology, social Darwinism has perhaps the most explanatory power.—
Erik Baker,
Harpers Magazine,
18 June 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Illustrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrative. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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