Thesaurus results for EXPLANATIVE

explanative

adjective

ik-ˈspla-nə-tiv

Definition of explanative

as in interpretive

serving to explain an edition of Melville's novel that could use more explanative footnotes about whaling

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explanative

Adjective

Anedda’s way of capturing different moments from different linguistic or interpretive points of view allows the everyday elements of our lives to find space in poetry, democratically.

— Wallis Wilde-Menozzi, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026
Cadet will work with architect Rodney Leon, who is also of Haitian descent, and who will advise on the interpretive writing and symbolic elements of the statue and its lighting and siting.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of interpretive

Adjective

The effects of such abstemiousness are less clear, though a pair of new movies point in two very different interpretative directions.

— Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
The nonprofit is dedicated to promoting forest conservation efforts through exhibits, with interpretative trails around the site that venture through lush forest canopies.

— Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026

Definition of interpretative

Adjective

Our own experience is illustrative here as our travel subscription program has grown by millions of members; subscription changes the economics of the whole business.

— Dana Dunne, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
These examples are illustrative of the fact that athletes already take their fertility and menstrual cycles into consideration, Carson says.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of illustrative

Adjective

And now, in perhaps the most ridiculous and explanatory example of the league's fandom, has seen her name banned from the WNBA subreddit.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026
The mods think Reddit might have designated the website—and thus any post using its content for explanatory illustrations—as spam.

— Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of explanatory

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.

Browse Nearby Words

explanations

explanative

explanatory

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Explanative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explanative. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of explanative

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes