Synonyms for

Descriptive

Verb / dɪˈskrɪptɪv / Another word for descriptive — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

giving information about something; describing something in detail

Synonyms & similar words

prescriptive undescriptive detailed explanatory illustrative graphic vivid evocative expressive figurative elaborate eloquent colorful lively lucid clear definite specific accurate thorough comprehensive instructive

Synonyms by register

Formal

explicit detailed graphic illuminating

Informal

telling clear explanatory

Literary

evocative vivid

Antonyms

vague unclear ambiguous obscure imprecise general

Common collocations

  • descriptive language
  • descriptive writing
  • descriptive statistics
  • descriptive analysis
  • descriptive passage
  • descriptive essay
  • descriptive adjective

Word family

noun description
verb describe
adverb descriptively

Usage note

Often used to describe writing or language that provides a clear picture of something. Avoid using it when the opposite, like 'vague' or 'ambiguous', is intended.

Example sentences

  1. The book had a descriptive illustration of the main character.
  2. I wrote a descriptive essay about my favorite place to go on vacation.
  3. The tour guide gave a descriptive explanation of the historical site.
  4. The artist created a descriptive painting of the sunset over the ocean.
  5. The scientist provided a descriptive analysis of the data collected.

Quotes

  • 'The painter should not paint what he sees, but what will be seen.' - Paul Klee
  • 'The world is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.' - W.B. Yeats
  • 'The function of language is to describe reality.' - Richard Dawkins

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