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
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Recent Examples of illustrative
Burns’s distinctive, sharp-edge illustrative style places a smooth surface between the reader and the emotional turbulence below.
—
Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Hypothetical examples have been provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation.
—William Jones, USA Today, 15 May 2025
The book marks the second in Barnett's retelling releases, following 2022's The Three Billy Goats Gruff, which featured illustrative work from Jon Klassen and became a bestseller.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 13 May 2025
The 2024 presidential election in New Jersey is particularly illustrative, with the state shifting from D+16% to D+6% between 2020 and 2024.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrative
Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Hypothetical examples have been provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation.
—William Jones, USA Today, 15 May 2025
The book marks the second in Barnett's retelling releases, following 2022's The Three Billy Goats Gruff, which featured illustrative work from Jon Klassen and became a bestseller.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 13 May 2025
The 2024 presidential election in New Jersey is particularly illustrative, with the state shifting from D+16% to D+6% between 2020 and 2024.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrative
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
-
Parts read like a narrative, other parts sound like a letter to the husband, sometimes explanatory, sometimes apologetic, sometimes pining.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
18 May 2025
-
However, the White House then released an explanatory text of the executive order, clarifying that the tariff rate wasn’t reduced to 54%, but still maintaining the $100 fee option.—
Mark Faithfull,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrative. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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