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
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Recent Examples of illustrative
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
Maps may show metro lines in different colors, but that’s usually just for illustrative purposes.
—Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2026
Its home screen’s hourly forecast consists of temperatures, weather icons, and illustrative background visuals, such as gloomy rain clouds, that sometimes fail to match the view out the window.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrative
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
Maps may show metro lines in different colors, but that’s usually just for illustrative purposes.
—Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2026
Its home screen’s hourly forecast consists of temperatures, weather icons, and illustrative background visuals, such as gloomy rain clouds, that sometimes fail to match the view out the window.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrative
Adjective
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Presenting her with the Lifetime Achievement Award on an evening dedicated to Anna Magnani creates an ideal bridge between two icons of cinema, united by a unique interpretive power and a rare ability to move audiences.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
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The surrounding landscape was shaped by lava flows and erosion over millions of years, according to interpretive information posted throughout the park.—
Corey Schmidt,
Sacbee.com,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Emmie’s condition is an interpretative riddle for both her parents and the reader.—
Giles Harvey,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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Will the academy troll Chalamet (and the rest of us) with an interpretative dance performance?—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
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
-
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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His work blends data-visualization with explanatory graphics and motion graphics, covering everything from breaking news to politics to sports.—
Rick Jervis,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
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The San Francisco Chronicle received the award for explanatory reporting, which means work that makes a complex topic comprehensible to everyday readers and viewers.—
Jennifer Peltz,
Twin Cities,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illustrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrative. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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