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
  • Presenting her with the Lifetime Achievement Award on an evening dedicated to Anna Magnani creates an ideal bridge between two icons of cinema, united by a unique interpretive power and a rare ability to move audiences.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 7 May 2026
  • The surrounding landscape was shaped by lava flows and erosion over millions of years, according to interpretive information posted throughout the park.
    Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • Emmie’s condition is an interpretative riddle for both her parents and the reader.
    Giles Harvey, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Will the academy troll Chalamet (and the rest of us) with an interpretative dance performance?
    Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Ephemera is so often illustrative of the inner life of a character, a direct, beating correlative of the contents of their hearts.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • All figures from these sources throughout this article should be treated as illustrative and educational, not as forecasts or recommendations.
    Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • His work blends data-visualization with explanatory graphics and motion graphics, covering everything from breaking news to politics to sports.
    Rick Jervis, USA Today, 13 May 2026
  • The San Francisco Chronicle received the award for explanatory reporting, which means work that makes a complex topic comprehensible to everyday readers and viewers.
    Jennifer Peltz, Twin Cities, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Hybrid lanterns that meet the aforementioned criteria are indeed out there, waiting to illuminate your next campsite, glamping trip, picnic, late-night reading session, or simply to add a little illuminative flare to that embarrassingly barren bookshelf in time for the next Zoom meeting.
    J.D. Simkins, Sunset Magazine, 17 Feb. 2022
  • 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 20 May. 2026.

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