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
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
And yet, in certain ways, the film doesn’t go as deep as Orwell’s observations; its choice of illustrative material generally hews to contemporary party lines, even while showcasing wise words that render such distinctions all but meaningless.
—
Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
Drawing a line between Merrill’s performance and the team’s results the past week, however, would be illustrative of nothing.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
The primary is the main character print, which is more complex and illustrative.
—Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
Haliburton’s All-NBA case is built on more than his statistical feats and advanced stats, though his numbers are illustrative.
—Tony East, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrative
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.
Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
Drawing a line between Merrill’s performance and the team’s results the past week, however, would be illustrative of nothing.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
The primary is the main character print, which is more complex and illustrative.
—Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
Haliburton’s All-NBA case is built on more than his statistical feats and advanced stats, though his numbers are illustrative.
—Tony East, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrative
Cite this Entry
“Illustrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illustrative. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illustrative
adjective
il·lus·tra·tive
il-ˈəs-trət-iv
: serving or meant to illustrate
illustrative examples
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share