as in interpretive
serving to explain an illustrative analogy in which the relationship between God and humanity is likened to that between a shepherd and his flock

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 illustrative These are just illustrative examples using the existing plans and may not be representative, given that Republicans are considering creating a new IDR plan without any student loan forgiveness. Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025 The sheer volume of games is illustrative of a player who has been stuck in price-tag purgatory, playing catch-up given the monstrous fee forked out for his services. Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025 The view from a West Bank hilltop is illustrative. Kenneth Roth, TIME, 8 Feb. 2025 The examples provided are illustrative and not exhaustive, offering clarity on the types and ranges of infractions that may result in penalties, should NASCAR determine enforcement is warranted. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illustrative

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Illustrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrative. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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!