illustrative

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The two are legally separate entities — but for illustrative purposes, a combined trust fund is figured to provide the actuarial status of the Social Security program as a whole.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026

Rima Fand’s pleasant, folk-tinged score is illustrative rather than striking; the accompanying ensemble of mandolin, string quartet and bass, led from the piano by Mila Henry, plays a lot of ostinatos.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

The primary is the main character print, which is more complex and illustrative.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2025

The most illustrative example of this dynamic might be a clip from The Adam Friedland Show, where the socialist comedian and podcaster convinces Dave Portnoy, of Barstool Sports fame, to endorse Medicaid for All.

From Slate • Apr. 9, 2025

Liszt spearheaded a shift from orchestral to illustrative music, using this 1850 painting of Attila the Hun in battle as the basis for his symphonic poem Hunnenschlacht.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall