illustrative

adjective

il·​lus·​tra·​tive i-ˈlə-strə-tiv 

also

ˈi-lə-ˌstrā- 

: serving, tending, or designed to illustrate

illustrative examples

art that is illustrative of provincial life

illustratively adverb

Synonyms

• elucidative
• exegetical
• exegetic
• explanative
• explanatory
• explicative
• explicatory
• expositive
• expository
• illuminative
• interpretative
• interpretive

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

Outside’s reporting on the Yaak Valley offers another illustrative example of these dynamics. —Ryleigh Nucilli, Outside Online, 14 Nov. 2024

Strong candidates in each sub-sector are included here in an illustrative list: • Natural gas: Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA), American Gas Association (AGA). —Brian Walker, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

An illustrative image of a person holding a medical syringe and a Covid-19 vaccine vial in front of the the AstraZeneca logo displayed on a screen. —Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2024

Of course, this simple thought experiment is merely illustrative. —Andrew F. Krepinevich Jr., Foreign Affairs, 19 Apr. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

illustrative

adjective

il·​lus·​tra·​tive il-ˈəs-trət-iv 

: serving or meant to illustrate

illustrative examples