instructive

adjective

in-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce instructive (audio)
Definition of instructivenext
as in informative
providing useful information or knowledge an instructive demonstration of the proper way to pack a suitcase so your clothes don't arrive in a mess

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 instructive Doris Sommer’s Bilingual Aesthetics was instructive for me here. — Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026 Summaries of their sins and absurdities have now filled several books, but a sampler is instructive. — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026 What The Flows Actually Show Cordros made a second observation in that April note which has travelled less widely than its dollar range, and which is the more instructive of the two. — Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Sometimes our body’s machinery for processing alcohol falters in instructive ways. — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instructive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instructive
  1. informative
  2. educational
  3. educative
  4. instructional
  5. informational
  6. illuminating
Adjective
  • The assumed inference is that travelers rely on Google for their travel needs and that informative brochures and knowledgeable attendants are a quaint idea that has outlived its usefulness.
    — Frank Hosek, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The goal is not to replace clinical trials, but to make every trial more informative and every development decision more deliberate.
    — Mirjam Trame, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of informative
Adjective
  • Joshua Childs, an associate professor of educational leadership and policy at the University of Texas at Austin, said attendance correlates to whether a student is engaged in their academics and in their relationships with peers and teachers.
    — Lina Ruiz October 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Today, under the direction of his daughter Sheila Loewe, the organization continues to promote creativity and educational programs, as well as protect cultural heritage in the fields of craft, art, design, photography, poetry and dance.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of educational
Adjective
  • Perhaps most consequential in this move will be the expansion of the states’ authority and responsibility for educative quality within their jurisdictions.
    — Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • While apples-to-apples comparisons aren’t possible, a look at the streaming businesses is educative for identifying longer-term trends.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of educative
Adjective
  • Along with the extended calendar, Crowley ISD increased instructional time, compensated high-performing teachers and provided more individualized support for students.
    — Lina Ruiz October 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In the study, a group of players were asked to dribble a ball through a set of cones, up and down the field, as the researchers used a series of instructional cues for the players.
    — Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of instructional
Adjective
  • Compliance checks would ensure trading entities maintain informational barriers with their sibling exchange, including the use of separate physical offices.
    — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Has the decline concentrated in broad, informational terms, the ones most likely to trigger an AI summary, while transactional and branded terms held steady?
    — Gaetano Romeo, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of informational
Adjective
  • Even if biology is ultimately not as quantum as researchers once hoped, there may still be interesting — and potentially illuminating — parallels between the living world and the quantum realm.
    — Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Now, however, the boutique physical media label Fun City Editions has released a superb Blu-ray of the film, featuring both a gorgeous restoration and illuminating supplements.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of illuminating

Browse Nearby Words

instructions
instructive
instructor
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Cite this Entry

“Instructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instructive. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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