Entry Word: illustrate

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to show or make clear by using examples <she illustrated her point with a story about her last experiment and the results it provided>

Synonyms demonstrate, exemplify, instance

Related Words 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 make plain or understandable <the devastating fire illustrates the need for improved safety codes> — see explain 1