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 Consider this illustrative example and corresponding tax-efficient retirement withdrawal strategies. Kristin McKenna, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 Looking at this group can be illustrative because their financial outcomes haven't been influenced in the same way as people who have been married, divorced or widowed, Kent's analysis noted. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 24 Sep. 2024 Trotter said his situation with the NFL was illustrative of that tension. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Oct. 2024 Hypothetical examples are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the returns of any particular investment. Philip Maymin, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for illustrative 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'illustrative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 4 Nov. 2024.

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
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