descriptive

adjective

Definition of descriptivenext
as in graphic
having many features or details He told a descriptive story about his trip to Spain that captured our attention. An overly descriptive account of the movie that left little to the imagination.

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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 descriptive Many descriptive phrases recur no matter who is speaking, which makes the author’s prose feel like a fire hose aimed at the reader. — Carolyn Kellogg, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 That descriptive layer of metadata is what makes any record findable and safe to use. — Michael Leone, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 Where less descriptive studies exist nationally, the effects of voucher programs through school choice vary by program design, student subgroups and local context. — Kendall Deas, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 Marcus Lee, an African American Studies professor at Princeton University, often tells his students that descriptive representation differs from substantive representation. — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for descriptive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for descriptive
  1. graphic
  2. realistic
  3. vivid
  4. expressive
  5. picturesque
  6. photographic
  7. accurate
  8. specific
Adjective
  • Justin also dressed for the occasion, in an oversized graphic tee, basketball shorts, and SKYLRK boots.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The two met before the actor underwent heart surgery in 2009, and Schneider, a graphic designer, reportedly helped nurse the star back to health following his procedure.
    — Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of graphic
Adjective
  • So for younger consumers especially, a tote or backpack is a far more realistic first step into the brand than a signifant luggage investment piece.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Its most realistic hazards remain localized hydrothermal explosions, earthquakes, and the remote possibility of a smaller volcanic eruption.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of realistic
Adjective
  • Its two-cartridge hybrid ink system produces sharp document text and vivid photos, while dual-band Wi-Fi ensures a stable wireless connection to your laptop or phone.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The four girls come from various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and geographic locations, offering a vivid snapshot of America.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of vivid
Adjective
  • Six of the seven individual plaintiffs were ultimately found responsible for violating FIU Regulation 110, which bans protests and other expressive activities inside university buildings.
    — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The music on the new record is vivid in its storytelling and unapologetically emotional, lyrical and expressive.
    — Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of expressive
Adjective
  • The picturesque harbor, lighthouse, and breakwater invite leisurely strolls; Artist’s Point offers a rocky shoreline perfect for watching waves crash against ancient basalt.
    — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Then there are the grounds themselves, nestled in the picturesque Surrey hills and brimming with picturesque scenery.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of picturesque
Adjective
  • Simpson was identified by the occupants aboard Del Sol's boat through a photographic lineup, according to the affidavit.
    — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Launched in 1960, Project CORONA became the world’s first successful photographic reconnaissance satellite program.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of photographic
Adjective
  • The prerequisite to knowing business value is a cost model that is comprehensive, accurate and trusted.
    — Udam Dewaraja, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • My son was diagnosed with a spontaneous variant resulting in Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome, and my daughter ultimately received an accurate genetic diagnosis of Phelan-McDermid syndrome after years of unanswered questions.
    — Brad Quick, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of accurate
Adjective
  • Without any specific consumer requests, Crowell said the brand experimented with the shadow’s function and formulation in the early stages of development.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Technology has significantly evolved since then, with 80% of 911 calls nationwide coming from wireless mobile devices rather than landlines tied to specific addresses.
    — Sophia Eppley, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of specific

Browse Nearby Words

descriptions
descriptive
descry
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Cite this Entry

“Descriptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/descriptive. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of descriptive for Spanish Speakers

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