Definition of illustrativenext
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 San Francisco—which adopted Housing First in 2009—is illustrative, with 60 percent of its massive homelessness budget being spent on housing subsidies for the formerly homeless. Christopher Calton, Oc Register, 8 May 2026 Their zone time in Game 6 was illustrative. Josh Yohe, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026 That’s illustrative, not guaranteed, and real returns will vary with market conditions. Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2026 But last night was illustrative of his season so far. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for illustrative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrative
Adjective
  • Walking through the exhibit, visitors can read interpretive panels detailing the lives of key figures in Yuba-Sutter’s Black history.
    Velvet Wu June 16, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026
  • His father worked at the fort in its early years, and Medina himself spent three seasons repairing its adobe walls before joining the interpretive staff.
    Kevin Strong, CBS News, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • When subtle interpretative differences compound over months and miles, your original vision becomes unrecognizable on the front lines.
    Peter Ross, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Most of these interpretative moves work fine because they’re thought through and balanced by other moves.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2026
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
  • Along the way, Robbins spices his story through illuminative moments and mini-biographies.
    OregonLive.com, OregonLive.com, 14 Oct. 2017
Adjective
  • There are a lot of explanatory factors, and one is OGX's Renewing Penetrating Argan Hair Oil.
    Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 23 June 2026
  • Now the castle is in ruins (though with explanatory signage), with hiking paths, a museum, and a 1,200-foot pedestrian suspension bridge that sways 300 feet above the valley floor.
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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