explanative

adjective

ik-ˈspla-nə-tiv How to pronounce explanative (audio)
Definition of explanativenext
as in interpretive
serving to explain an edition of Melville's novel that could use more explanative footnotes about whaling

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanative
  1. interpretive
  2. interpretative
  3. illustrative
  4. explanatory
  5. illuminative
Adjective
  • The central legal debate in the last stretch leading up to Mangione’s trial has revolved around who will get to participate in this perhaps futile—though understandable—interpretive exercise.
    — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 11 Aug. 2026
  • There’s no charge to visit Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, home to an interpretive center and walking trails.
    — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of interpretive
Adjective
  • The nonprofit is dedicated to promoting forest conservation efforts through exhibits, with interpretative trails around the site that venture through lush forest canopies.
    — Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026
  • When subtle interpretative differences compound over months and miles, your original vision becomes unrecognizable on the front lines.
    — Peter Ross, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Definition of interpretative
Adjective
  • 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
Definition of illustrative
Adjective
  • The mods think Reddit might have designated the website—and thus any post using its content for explanatory illustrations—as spam.
    — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The guild’s campaign includes a one-sheet explaining its support for the bill, as well as an entire section on its website dedicated to explanatory information.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 31 July 2026
Definition of explanatory
Adjective
  • Along the way, Robbins spices his story through illuminative moments and mini-biographies.
    — OregonLive.com, OregonLive.com, 14 Oct. 2017
Definition of illuminative
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.

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explanative
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Cite this Entry

“Explanative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanative. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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