illustrative

adjective

il·​lus·​tra·​tive i-ˈlə-strə-tiv How to pronounce illustrative (audio)
also
ˈi-lə-ˌstrā- How to pronounce illustrative (audio)
Synonyms of illustrativenext
: serving, tending, or designed to illustrate
illustrative examples
art that is illustrative of provincial life
illustratively adverb

Synonyms of illustrative

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Examples of illustrative in a Sentence

an illustrative analogy in which the relationship between God and humanity is likened to that between a shepherd and his flock
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The stunning indictment of Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota last week marked another illustrative example of the position’s outsized power, according to one top lawmaker. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 10 Aug. 2026 Marcus Rashford’s acquisition in January 2025 served as an illustrative example. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026 Those layers, which expand in Heartstopper Forever, are illustrative of Oseman’s approach that appreciates both the evolution inherent to queerness and the coming of age. — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026 Any references to academic studies or surveys are for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as endorsements. — Wes Moss, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for illustrative

Word History

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of illustrative was in 1643

Browse Nearby Words

illustrational
illustrative
illustrator
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Illustrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illustrative. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

illustrative

adjective
il·​lus·​tra·​tive il-ˈəs-trət-iv How to pronounce illustrative (audio)
: serving or meant to illustrate
illustrative examples

More from Merriam-Webster on illustrative

Nglish: Translation of illustrative for Spanish Speakers

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