illustrate
verb
il·lus·trate
ˈi-lə-ˌstrāt 
also i-ˈlə-
illustrated; illustrating
1
a
: to provide with visual features intended to explain or decorate
illustrate a book
b
: to make clear by giving or by serving as an example or instance
c
: to make clear : clarify
2
: to show clearly : demonstrate
3
4
: to give an example or instance
Examples of illustrate in a Sentence
He illustrated his lecture with stories of his own experiences in the field.
Please give a few examples to illustrate your point.
The results illustrate how important it is to wear your seatbelt.
The students will write and illustrate their own stories.
Recent Examples on the Web
Underscore those last three words — in the West — because the Grizzlies’ example illustrates a key truth about the difference between the East and West, one that possibly helps maintain the near-continuous chasm in strength between the two conferences.
—
John Hollinger, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Chicago Bank President Austan Goolsbee illustrated the central bank’s shifting tone.
—Taylor Millard, The Washington Examiner, 10 Oct. 2025
Lou Tingle's vast merit badge collection from his days with Troop 228 illustrated just how much more Steiger had to learn about survival, agriculture, craftsmanship and life in general.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Oct. 2025
The video illustrates allegations that first surfaced in a probable cause affidavit unsealed after Kohberger's arrest — which revealed that a neighbor's camera picked up sounds of a struggle followed by a dog's barking.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
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John Hollinger, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Chicago Bank President Austan Goolsbee illustrated the central bank’s shifting tone.
—Taylor Millard, The Washington Examiner, 10 Oct. 2025
Lou Tingle's vast merit badge collection from his days with Troop 228 illustrated just how much more Steiger had to learn about survival, agriculture, craftsmanship and life in general.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Oct. 2025
The video illustrates allegations that first surfaced in a probable cause affidavit unsealed after Kohberger's arrest — which revealed that a neighbor's camera picked up sounds of a struggle followed by a dog's barking.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illustrate. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illustrate
verb
il·lus·trate
ˈil-əs-ˌtrāt
il-ˈəs-
illustrated; illustrating
1
: to make clear by using examples
illustrated his point with a personal experience
2
a
: to provide with pictures or diagrams intended to explain or decorate
illustrate a book
b
: to serve as an illustration
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