instructive

adjective

in·​struc·​tive in-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce instructive (audio)
Synonyms of instructivenext
: carrying a lesson : enlightening
instructively adverb
instructiveness noun

Synonyms of instructive

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Examples of instructive in a Sentence

an interesting and instructive lesson an instructive demonstration of the proper way to pack a suitcase so your clothes don't arrive in a mess
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Coleman found instructive a 1938 ruling in favor of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who challenged a radio station that placed observers on a rooftop next to Forbes Field and paid them to provide play-by-play for an unauthorized radio broadcast. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2026 An instructive discussion about how these evolving markets are approached by one of the sharpest trading firms in the financial industry. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026 There is something instructive in the agent concluding a diatribe on quelling revolutionary violence with a note about feeling inspired. — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026 The opportunity to study both cuts side by side is invaluable for Kubrick enthusiasts — and instructive for film students interested in examining what drastically different effects the same footage can yield. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instructive

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of instructive was in 1611

Rhymes for instructive

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Instructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instructive. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

instructive

adjective
in·​struc·​tive in-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce instructive (audio)
: giving knowledge : helping to instruct or inform
an instructive experience
instructively adverb
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