General:
* Analytical
* Explanatory
* Expository
* Hermeneutical
* Explicative
* Critical
* Evaluative
Focusing on understanding:
* Meaningful
* Significant
* Incisive
* Persuasive
* Illuminating
Focusing on performance:
* Artistic
* Creative
* Expressive
* Imaginative
* Theatrical
More specific:
* Literary (if referring to literary texts)
* Historical (if referring to historical events)
* Psychological (if referring to psychological phenomena)
* Philosophical (if referring to philosophical concepts)
Informal:
* Reading between the lines
* Making sense of
* Figuring out
Ultimately, the best substitute will depend on the specific context of your writing.