descriptive

adjective

Definition of descriptivenext
as in graphic
having many features or details He told a descriptive story about his trip to Spain that captured our attention. An overly descriptive account of the movie that left little to the imagination.

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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 descriptive The National Association of Theatre Owners changed its name last year to Cinema United, which is more aspirational than descriptive, as Aron — a board member — has a tendency to go his own way. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026 Clear, descriptive communication with your doctor helps prevent those misunderstandings. — Jason Phillips, Ascend Agency, 24 Aug. 2026 This climate powerhouse is expected to reach unprecedented strength later in 2026, inspiring a flurry of colorful, descriptive terms across social media posts, blogs and even news stories. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026 The eyewitness account was so descriptive that researchers gave it their highest level of credibility. — Cbs New York Team, CBS News, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for descriptive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for descriptive
  1. graphic
  2. realistic
  3. vivid
  4. expressive
  5. picturesque
  6. photographic
  7. accurate
  8. specific
Adjective
  • Looks leaned bold and graphic, with attendees embracing oversize T-shirts, statement denim, layered looks and chunky accessories.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Rather than a hard, graphic line, her makeup artist smudged burgundy tones under the lower lashes.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of graphic
Adjective
  • This was a back-door effort to coerce Detroit to phase out the internal combustion engine, as the only realistic way car makers could meet the requirement was to massively expand their EV or hybrid inventories.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The center is designed to develop and train humanoids specifically for public safety applications, with engineers using realistic environments and mock-ups to test the machines and collect training data.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of realistic
Adjective
  • With pops of neon green and vivid purple, the rooms are stylish but not overdone—there’s no dizzying palette here.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Among them were vibrant cap-toe sock boots, including one streaked with the vivid combination of purple and yellow as part of a colorful contrasting-print ensemble.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of vivid
Adjective
  • For Lauper, nothing was off-limits for expressive modification, including her mane of colorful hair and artfully experimental makeup.
    — Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Hathaway is arch and expressive, doing subtle things with her eyes and voice that no one else can.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of expressive
Adjective
  • In these images Shift becomes—colloquially speaking—picturesque.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Southern Living recommends this tiny, picturesque spot in Western North Carolina for a nearly European getaway.
    — Eva Flowe October 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of picturesque
Adjective
  • Such actor-role hybrids are created not through genetic splicing but through photographic exposure—through the logic of the screen.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The division between photographic image and abstraction produces a tension between evidence and the imagination.
    — Erin Parish, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of photographic
Adjective
  • An in-home assessment can help identify which windows require replacement and provide more accurate project pricing.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Athletic directors and coaches have been scrambling to make sure players are eligible and parental paperwork is accurate.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of accurate
Adjective
  • In addition, only officers who have completed one of five specific agency training courses can conduct vehicle stops.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Each critic portrayed the historical monument as an object of reverence owing to age, with specific reference to the psycho-historical implications of restoration or, conversely, of neglect.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of specific

Browse Nearby Words

descriptions
descriptive
descry
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Cite this Entry

“Descriptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/descriptive. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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