as in graphic
having many features or details
He told a descriptive story about his trip to Spain that captured our attention. An overly descriptive account of the movie that left little to the imagination.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 descriptive
Modern magazine journalism generally combines factual reporting with narrative storytelling techniques, including scene-setting, descriptive detail, and literary-style writing.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
21 May 2026
Being perfectly descriptive does not mean something is predictive.
—
Michael Salfino,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
The third option is to create a new descriptive word, a process also seen throughout the translation.
—
Tom Belt,
The Conversation,
12 May 2026
Come up with a basic, descriptive title for each dish; in small text underneath, briefly describe what the dish is.
—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for descriptive
Encyclopedia Britannica,
21 May 2026
Being perfectly descriptive does not mean something is predictive.
—
Michael Salfino,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
The third option is to create a new descriptive word, a process also seen throughout the translation.
—
Tom Belt,
The Conversation,
12 May 2026
Come up with a basic, descriptive title for each dish; in small text underneath, briefly describe what the dish is.
—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for descriptive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for descriptive
Adjective
-
Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.
-
Joe Kramm | Courtesy of Francis Interiors The gold background is a spread of bold graphic lines, undulating shapes and coiling circular motifs, referencing the work of French artist, sculptor and designer Jean Dunand (1877–1942).
Adjective
-
There are other realistic podium contenders worth mentioning.
-
Most independent observers have suggested that a 12- to 18-month timeline is probably the most realistic for New Glenn’s return to flight.
Adjective
-
Within days of the pool being refilled on June 9, patches of vivid green algae bloomed across the surface, particularly near the Lincoln and World War II memorials.
-
With its high stakes, vivid action and steamy romance, the novel has struck a chord with Yarros's enthusiastic fanbase.
Adjective
-
Bass is taut and clean, midrange clear and expressive, and treble crisp and extended for a high definition performance with all manner of music.
-
So, bringing the expressive pads allowed people to experiment with making music by sliding their fingers across them, putting a snare in the middle and a rim shot around the edges.
Adjective
-
This college town offers both a picturesque campus and a walkable downtown area.
-
The couple tied the knot in a picturesque garden ceremony in Saint-Tropez and Anderson was there to walk her sun down the aisle.
Adjective
-
Hailing from Taiwan, Mongolia, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Macau, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the exhibition uses captivating photographic art to guide us into memories preserved within the images.
-
Digital cameras had taken over nearly all areas of photographic production.
Adjective
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
-
Television executives say those viewers have always been watching at bars, restaurants and other locations, so now the ratings are a more accurate reflection of the real audience size.
Adjective
-
Even though the film had no specific political focus.
-
The specific programs targeted by the EPA regulate emissions from vehicles, lawn and garden equipment, and generators.
Cite this Entry
“Descriptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/descriptive. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
