as in informative
providing useful information or knowledge
an instructive demonstration of the proper way to pack a suitcase so your clothes don't arrive in a mess
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Recent Examples of instructive
The radiologist’s case is the most instructive example on offer.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026
However much the young Hatmaker had in common with Waters, though, their lives seem likely to trace two very different arcs—ones instructive about both American Christianity and the wider debate over what a good life looks like for women.
—Emma Green, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
For business owners, Townshend’s bold decision and ensuing success, including among other accolades a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 greatest albums of the 1980s, offers an instructive guide to self-belief.
—Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2026
What Lamont does not do is equally instructive.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instructive
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026
However much the young Hatmaker had in common with Waters, though, their lives seem likely to trace two very different arcs—ones instructive about both American Christianity and the wider debate over what a good life looks like for women.
—Emma Green, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
For business owners, Townshend’s bold decision and ensuing success, including among other accolades a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 greatest albums of the 1980s, offers an instructive guide to self-belief.
—Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2026
What Lamont does not do is equally instructive.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instructive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instructive
Adjective
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Rather than just spotting distant subjects, the ScoPix interface actively identifies them, aiming to help make nighttime excursions more educational and informative.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 Apr. 2026
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Citizens Action Coalition members encouraged concerned ratepayers to stay informed, get organized, attend informative events and take action.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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He was given mental health and educational support, but later appeared to have stopped engaging with social workers.—
Brian Melley,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
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The week’s events in San Diego, organized by Dark Sky San Diego County, include stargazing parties and educational programming across the county.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Perhaps most consequential in this move will be the expansion of the states’ authority and responsibility for educative quality within their jurisdictions.—
Blake D. Morant,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
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While apples-to-apples comparisons aren’t possible, a look at the streaming businesses is educative for identifying longer-term trends.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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On top of fines, any day that a student walkout occurs will not count as an instructional day for purposes of meeting the district’s annual academic requirements.—
Matthew Kelly
April 10,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2026
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Under the bill, parent-teacher conferences and professional development days could still count for up to 42 instructional hours per school year.—
Alexia Aston,
Oklahoman,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The council was first established in 1967 operating out of the Red Cross Building in Harvey, according to its website, and initially operated as an informational and referral service before expanding into residential treatment.—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2026
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.—
Lucy Jones
April 11,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In this debut that centers Native Hawaiian mythology against contemporary issues, history and the present come together in illuminating ways.—
Emma Alpern,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2026
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However, many statistics can be useful and illuminating.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instructive. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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