instructive

adjective

in·​struc·​tive in-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce instructive (audio)
: carrying a lesson : enlightening
instructively adverb
instructiveness noun

Examples of instructive in a Sentence

an interesting and instructive lesson an instructive demonstration of the proper way to pack a suitcase so your clothes don't arrive in a mess
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Perhaps the Broncos would have pursued those two moves regardless, but head coach Sean Payton made an interesting point during the draft that is instructive as Denver sets out into free agency next week. Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2025 The threat of custom chips is not new, but Huang’s comments on the topic Wednesday night were instructive in understanding why Nvidia’s chips are still so coveted by customers who are also pursuing their own chips. Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025 Jones, the former director of the FDA’s food center, is instructive in understanding what is fueling the public-health exodus in particular. Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025 Hamilton was also part of the casting process and offered instructive feedback. Sean Gregory / London and Maranello, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for instructive

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of instructive was in 1611

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Cite this Entry

“Instructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instructive. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

instructive

adjective
in·​struc·​tive in-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce instructive (audio)
: giving knowledge : helping to instruct or inform
an instructive experience
instructively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on instructive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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