Definition of explanativenext
as in interpretive
serving to explain an edition of Melville's novel that could use more explanative footnotes about whaling

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanative
Adjective
  • Of four interpretive signs at the park, used mostly by Brickell residents to walk their dogs, two have faded to illegibility.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
  • Today, preserving that history increasingly relies on museums, public art, interpretive markers and community institutions that continue telling those stories.
    J.M. Banks June 29, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • When subtle interpretative differences compound over months and miles, your original vision becomes unrecognizable on the front lines.
    Peter Ross, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Most of these interpretative moves work fine because they’re thought through and balanced by other moves.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Volkswagen's challenges are illustrative of the headwinds facing the broader European automotive industry, Luman said, citing challenges on the road to full electrification, competition with Chinese car brands and export problems in major markets.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 2 July 2026
  • The illustrative nature of a comic is unparalleled in its ability to transport people.
    Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • There are a lot of explanatory factors, and one is OGX's Renewing Penetrating Argan Hair Oil.
    Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 23 June 2026
  • Now the castle is in ruins (though with explanatory signage), with hiking paths, a museum, and a 1,200-foot pedestrian suspension bridge that sways 300 feet above the valley floor.
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Along the way, Robbins spices his story through illuminative moments and mini-biographies.
    OregonLive.com, OregonLive.com, 14 Oct. 2017
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Explanative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanative. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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