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instructive

adjective

in-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce instructive (audio)
Definition of instructivenext
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

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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 Sometimes our body’s machinery for processing alcohol falters in instructive ways. — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 To Brian, films are not instructive models for living but exist purely as aesthetic objects and experiences that can be appreciated entirely in and of themselves. — John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026 Marquette Law School’s polling has been instructive for candidates in the region. — Philip Elliott, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for instructive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instructive
  1. informative
  2. educational
  3. educative
  4. instructional
  5. informational
  6. illuminating
Adjective
  • The museum, spanning a former cell block wing, is a deeply informative and well curated journey through the evolution of the nation’s penal system.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The company also offers a family-friendly first-hand lobstering experience, an informative precursor to a waterside meal at Ogunquit Beach Lobster House.
    — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of informative
Adjective
  • The order calls for a moment of silence, memorial ceremonies and educational programming while encouraging New Yorkers to participate in service activities.
    — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Healthcare and educational nonprofits may rely on intelligent systems to support service delivery.
    — Ekramy El Zaghat, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 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
  • Teachers will be allowed to use AI for instructional planning and operational tasks.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Reyes Estrada, instructional coordinator for HVAC, said there’s no comparison between the old center and the new, the former of which was dark and cramped.
    — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of instructional
Adjective
  • This article is provided for informational and advertising purposes only.
    — Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • This year's event goes beyond informational exhibits, with institutions offering professional development workshops, live performances, demonstrations, hands-on activities, exhibitions and other interactive experiences.
    — Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of informational
Adjective
  • But is a more illuminating idea missing from his account of American sophistication, one that perhaps most neatly distinguishes it from older European kinds?
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
  • One illuminating moment takes place at the first reunion show in Cardiff.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of illuminating

Browse Nearby Words

instructions
instructive
instructor
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Cite this Entry

“Instructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instructive. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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