illustrative

adjective

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

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.
Disclosures and Disclaimers: Above information is for illustrative purposes only and has been obtained from reliable sources but no guarantee is made with regard to accuracy or completeness. David Thomas, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 The three prosecutors’ approaches are illustrative of the tensions and political climate surrounding the death penalty in California and elsewhere, said political scientist Austin Sarat, a death penalty opponent who has studied the issue at Amherst College in Massachusetts. Sharon Bernstein, Sacramento Bee, 14 Jan. 2025 In response, Baldoni’s counsel has alleged that the text messages illustrative of the smear campaign in the Times article were cherry-picked and taken out of context. Nicole Page, IndieWire, 6 Jan. 2025 Newcastle’s rolling position on the hope-o-meter is illustrative of this: 2022-23; third and 96 per cent optimistic, 2023-24; fifth at 91 per cent, 2024-25; joint-seventh with 89 per cent. George Caulkin, The Athletic, 14 Aug. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near illustrative

Cite this Entry

“Illustrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illustrative. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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