instructive

adjective

in·​struc·​tive in-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce instructive (audio)
Synonyms of instructivenext
: carrying a lesson : enlightening
instructively adverb
instructiveness noun

Examples of instructive in a Sentence

an interesting and instructive lesson an instructive demonstration of the proper way to pack a suitcase so your clothes don't arrive in a mess
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.
So Minnesota’s experience is instructive in our view, and the Democrats who run Springfield and who dominate the halls of power in the Chicago area should take notice. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026 His past comments are instructive, however. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026 The response of corporate America to those killings was instructive — both for what was said and left unsaid. Alessandro Piazza, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026 All three failed in the same instructive ways. Alex Pavlak, Baltimore Sun, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instructive

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of instructive was in 1611

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Cite this Entry

“Instructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instructive. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

instructive

adjective
in·​struc·​tive in-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce instructive (audio)
: giving knowledge : helping to instruct or inform
an instructive experience
instructively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on instructive

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