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.
This illustrative image shows a Ukrainian drone operator pilots an attack drone near the southern frontline on February 21, 2024. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025 Deere’s fresh numbers and commentary will be illustrative of the effects so far. Kevin Stankiewicz,matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 11 May 2025 There’s comfort in recognition, and pleasure in anointing a new daddy (especially one with such a perfectly illustrative tattoo). Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025 Robertson, who is often compared to Andy Warhol for his illustrative style and pop culture influences, has a background that reads like a who's-who of the art and fashion worlds. Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Illustrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illustrative. Accessed 20 Jun. 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
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