INSTRUCTIVE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

instructive

adjective

in-ˈstrək-tiv

Definition of instructive

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 instructive The pros and cons of longevity calculators For older Americans who might be underestimating their longevity, a life expectancy calculator can provide an instructive lesson. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026 But comparing the two, as is inevitable for a critic commissioned to review each in turn, proves instructive. — Alison Herman, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026 The more instructive part, however, is Tony’s time in the chaotic Flagship kitchen, where Chef turns a blind eye to the cocaine and weed circulating but has strict rules about timekeeping and efficiency. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026 The transition from the British pound to the US dollar provides an instructive if imperfect case study. — Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak, Fortune, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for instructive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instructive

Adjective

In high school and young adulthood, music became a highly informative medium that rewired his brain.

— Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 24 Aug. 2026
My column’s vast and varied archive of roughly 25 years’ worth of entertaining and informative content, combined with my rare combination of being a skilled photographer and a professional writer, is what sets me apart from other content providers.

— Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of informative

Adjective

What the state won't or can't tell us California's Office of Youth and Community Restoration, or OYCR, oversees the LRP educational pathway programs that its director describes as a prison-to-university pipeline.

— Julie Watts August 20, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
The strikes hit 12 locations across Kyiv’s Darnytskyi, Sviatoshynskyi and Solomianskyi districts, damaging residential buildings, a medical facility and an educational institution.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of educational

Adjective

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
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

Definition of educative

Adjective

Lyons began her career with CMS in 2017 as a high school English teacher, later serving as an assistant principal and instructional specialist.

— Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026
Some of the expectations included not using free time on a Chromebook as a reward and having clear routines posted in each classroom, including that laptops must be closed during instructional time.

— Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of instructional

Adjective

Anything that changes this informational state can change the prediction.

— Hamilton Mann, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
These traders typically opened an account and quickly placed a highly successful long-shot bet in niche markets where insiders may have an informational edge, before in many cases cashing out and disappearing.

— Douglas Gillison, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of informational

Adjective

Dry skin types, on the other hand, tend to achieve better results with illuminating formulas that contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane.

— Jenny Berg, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026
To rise above the noise, our staff will continue to use their expertise to serve up only the most interesting and illuminating ideas.

— Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of illuminating

Browse Nearby Words

instructions

instructive

instructor

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Instructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instructive. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of instructive

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

southpaw

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes