illustrative

adjective

il·​lus·​tra·​tive i-ˈlə-strə-tiv How to pronounce illustrative (audio)
also
ˈi-lə-ˌstrā- How to pronounce illustrative (audio)
: serving, tending, or designed to illustrate
illustrative examples
art that is illustrative of provincial life
illustratively adverb

Examples of illustrative in a Sentence

an illustrative analogy in which the relationship between God and humanity is likened to that between a shepherd and his flock
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.
An illustrative example of this approach is the joint initiative of the UN and Remesh, implemented in 2021, with an AI powered platform. Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025 Poems by 96 area poets are paired with illustrative drawings by 40 visual artists in this exhibition, representing a community view on social justice issues. Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 10 June 2025 That support was life-changing (note: names are illustrative and used to represent the real work happening in our schools). Shellye Davis, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2025 This illustrative image from June 12 shows activists rallying outside Egypt's Journalists Syndicate in Cairo. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for illustrative

Word History

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of illustrative was in 1643

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Cite this Entry

“Illustrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illustrative. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

illustrative

adjective
il·​lus·​tra·​tive il-ˈəs-trət-iv How to pronounce illustrative (audio)
: serving or meant to illustrate
illustrative examples

More from Merriam-Webster on illustrative

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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