as in interpretive
serving to explain
an edition of Melville's novel that could use more explanative footnotes about whaling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanative
Adjective
-
That a person such as Loomer is in easy conversation with the president and the secretary of state is illustrative of our era.—
Jay Nordlinger,
National Review,
17 Apr. 2025 -
There is still emerging research on how hail forms so the NOAA graphic above is meant for illustrative purposes.—
Marshall Shepherd,
Forbes,
16 Mar. 2025
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
-
Then on Monday, Musk shared an explanatory video that promoted free trade.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
7 Apr. 2025
-
The possible explanatory layers overwhelm, and so there’s an honesty to how the series opts to focus on the devastation instead, fading out on the image of the Miller family torn apart and Eddie breaking down on Jamie’s bed.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
19 Mar. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Explanative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanative. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share