Definition of explicativenext
as in interpretive
serving to explain a dearth of explicative material to help the layman understand the difficult subject matter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 explicative While Clarkson was amazed by her skills, Parton was able to slip in an explicative on daytime television. Vulture, 21 Dec. 2022 Much of the dialogue is obvious and explicative; young Bode sometimes sounds like a middle-aged professor. Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2020 There are periodic explicative orations about the state of the nation. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 1 Nov. 2019 Video posted on the Twitter feed of Robin Bell shows the explicative term in question emblazoned across the wall of the hotel, backed by a cascade of poop emojis. Michelle Hunter, NOLA.com, 14 Jan. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explicative
Adjective
  • Other activities at this state park include camping, picnic tables with grills, a playground, a reservable shelter, and interpretive nature programs offered from Memorial Day until Labor Day.
    Zuri Primos July 26, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • During longer waits for a table—more than 2 hours on some weekends—visitors are encouraged to walk around the property, which is lined with hiking trails and dotted with interpretive displays on the Winnebago people.
    Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 26 July 2026
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
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • 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
  • Tighter supply will reopen the spread between markets, and the map will win back some of its explanatory power.
    Tony Julianelle, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Explicative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explicative. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!