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 Peninah Ndegwa spent years studying urban planning, but one of her most instructive moments in the field occurred far from a classroom. — Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Aug. 2026 Marquette Law School’s polling has been instructive for candidates in the region. — Philip Elliott, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 The pros and cons of longevity calculators For older Americans who might be underestimating their longevity, a life expectancy calculator can provide an instructive lesson. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026 But comparing the two, as is inevitable for a critic commissioned to review each in turn, proves instructive. — Alison Herman, Variety, 7 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
  • In high school and young adulthood, music became a highly informative medium that rewired his brain.
    — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 24 Aug. 2026
  • My column’s vast and varied archive of roughly 25 years’ worth of entertaining and informative content, combined with my rare combination of being a skilled photographer and a professional writer, is what sets me apart from other content providers.
    — Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of informative
Adjective
  • Horn said the real risk is that any new educational program now will age badly.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The educational initiative includes sessions and behind-the-scenes learning designed to introduce participants to careers surrounding festivals and concert production.
    — Svetlana Khachiyan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 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
  • Reyes Estrada, instructional coordinator for HVAC, said there’s no comparison between the old center and the new, the former of which was dark and cramped.
    — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • According to Dylan’s complaint, the assault occurred during the filming of an instructional basketball video by several Lakers players in the Campbell Hall gym.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of instructional
Adjective
  • Michael came home from the urgent-care center with an informational packet that included this advice.
    — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • This informational and educational article does not offer or constitute, and should not be relied upon as tax or financial advice.
    — Cicely Jones, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of informational
Adjective
  • Dry skin types, on the other hand, tend to achieve better results with illuminating formulas that contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane.
    — Jenny Berg, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026
  • To rise above the noise, our staff will continue to use their expertise to serve up only the most interesting and illuminating ideas.
    — Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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