illustrate

illustrate

verb

Definition of ILLUSTRATE

1

to show or make clear by using examples <she illustrated her point with a story about her experiences as a field anthropologist>

Synonyms demonstrate, exemplify, instance

Related Words adduce, cite, mention, quote; name, specify; analyze, break down; clarify, clear (up), explain, explicate, expound; edify, elucidate, enlighten; illuminate; construe, interpret; simplify, spell out; detail, enumerate, list

Near Antonyms becloud, blur, cloud, darken, fog, muddy, obscure; confuse, perplex, puzzle

2

to supplement with pictorial matter for the purpose of explanation or decoration <lavishly illustrated the monograph on Caravaggio with color plates>

Synonyms illuminate, pictorialize

Related Words image, picture, visualize

3

to make plain or understandable <the recent devastating fire illustrates the need for improved safety codes>

Synonyms clarify, clear (up), construe, demonstrate, demystify, elucidate, explicate, expound, get across, illuminate, illustrate, interpret, simplify, spell out, unriddle

Related Words decipher, decode; analyze, break down; disentangle, undo, unravel, unscramble, untangle; resolve, solve; define, specify; annotate, commentate, gloss

Near Antonyms befog, cloud; confound, confuse, obfuscate

Antonyms obscure