Thesaurus results for EXPOSITORY

expository

adjective

ik-ˈspä-zə-ˌtȯr-ē

Definition of expository

as in interpretive

serving to explain an expository piece on the workings of the internal-combustion engine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 expository Berling’s Henri, especially, suffers from the film’s disinterest in anyone aside from its central figure; a key scene between him and Gabrielle lays out their history in clumsy expository snippets. — Jon Frosch, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026 But the artifacts of the New Literalism seem to embrace mediation, even to double down on it with their supplementary signposts, historical snapshots, and expository tics. — Namwali Serpell, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2025 Bell and co-editor Alex Megaro limit expository information about the WTO and the anti-globalization movement to a short prologue. — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2025 Because Zendaya plays young women, these women still have parents, and the actors cast to play her parents—which is to say her history, the expository reasons for her Blackness—typically flit in and out of the background, there to signify and do nothing else. — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expository

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expository

Adjective

Of four interpretive signs at the park, used mostly by Brickell residents to walk their dogs, two have faded to illegibility.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Today, preserving that history increasingly relies on museums, public art, interpretive markers and community institutions that continue telling those stories.

— J.M. Banks June 29, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026

Definition of interpretive

Adjective

When subtle interpretative differences compound over months and miles, your original vision becomes unrecognizable on the front lines.

— Peter Ross, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Most of these interpretative moves work fine because they’re thought through and balanced by other moves.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2026

Definition of interpretative

Adjective

Volkswagen's challenges are illustrative of the headwinds facing the broader European automotive industry, Luman said, citing challenges on the road to full electrification, competition with Chinese car brands and export problems in major markets.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 2 July 2026
The illustrative nature of a comic is unparalleled in its ability to transport people.

— Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Definition of illustrative

Browse Nearby Words

expositive

expository

expostulate

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Expository.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expository. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of expository

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

perfunctory

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes