illuminative

adjective

i-ˈlü-mə-ˌnā-tiv How to pronounce illuminative (audio)
Definition of illuminativenext
as in interpretive
serving to explain illuminative descriptions of the sights to be seen from the observatory gave us a much better idea of what we were looking at

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 illuminative Along the way, Robbins spices his story through illuminative moments and mini-biographies. — OregonLive.com, 14 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illuminative
  1. interpretive
  2. interpretative
  3. illustrative
Adjective
  • Another project would involve replacing 17 wayside exhibits at backcountry trailheads and three in the Cottonwood Spring area and adding three new interpretive wayside exhibits on the Mastodon Peak Loop.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • This can be true, but only when the interpretive capability around those signals is developing alongside them.
    — Dhiraj Adya, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of interpretive
Adjective
  • Another way this plays out in the book is in my analysis of how re-translators often echo or follow one another, rather than looking afresh at the interpretative possibilities of the originals.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of interpretative
Adjective
  • Statistics or dollar amounts are supported but illustrative, not promises.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The widespread response to the disaster is illustrative of the relationship between Nepal’s public and private sectors in this time of transition.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of illustrative

Browse Nearby Words

illuminations
illuminative
illumine
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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