as in informative
providing useful information or knowledge
an instructive demonstration of the proper way to pack a suitcase so your clothes don't arrive in a mess
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 instructive
Libby has a good ear for corporate doublespeak and probably another satirical play in him about whatever goes on at this company’s Taco Tuesday, but Data sticks to a staunchly instructive spirit.
—
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 29 Jan. 2026
Early vampire lore was instructive.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
The historical precedent is instructive.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 18 Jan. 2026
Here, the comparison to elite athletics is instructive.
—Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instructive
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 29 Jan. 2026
Early vampire lore was instructive.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
The historical precedent is instructive.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 18 Jan. 2026
Here, the comparison to elite athletics is instructive.
—Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instructive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instructive
Adjective
-
The service Grace Hynes, who runs front of house, is as bright as a button and effortlessly informative about what arrives on your plate.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Gwendolyn Grace, otherwise known as DJ Grace, launched the event in its 3rd annual celebration, filled with soul train dancing and food, a raffle, and informative Black history trivia.—
Charlie Lapastora,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
However, the ability to choose an educational environment that truly fits our child has not only improved their academic performance, but also their overall happiness and outlook on life.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Food preparation for the event was handled by the Urban League staff as well as some of the parents and past parents that have been involved in the educational program who donated their time, Gillespie said.—
David Sharos,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Perhaps most consequential in this move will be the expansion of the states’ authority and responsibility for educative quality within their jurisdictions.—
Blake D. Morant,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
-
While apples-to-apples comparisons aren’t possible, a look at the streaming businesses is educative for identifying longer-term trends.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Hinsdale Middle School instructional assistant Mary Black, Clarendon Hills Middle School Media Resource Center director Lisa Brough and Hinsdale Middle School resource teacher Mallory Roman received this recognition.—
Pioneer Press,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Professional performances are impressive, not instructional.—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Never underestimate the value of gossip both as an informational tool and as an epistemology!—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The information contained herein is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not in any way be construed as financial or investment advice.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
During a 45-minute interview with the Orlando Sentinel, the Gators’ master motivator and raconteur engaged in an illuminating and riveting conversation.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Gates has assembled a stimulating, illuminating, maddening, saddening, but often inspiring, story of their relations with the world and one another.—
Robert Lloyd,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instructive. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
