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
Rahm, who took 35 putts, was asked if his score could illustrate how tough Oakmont was playing.
—
Apress, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
But this kind of analysis helps illustrate who benefits and who is hurt by a bill.
—Emily Badger, New York Times, 13 June 2025
What happened in South Carolina illustrates a common argument made by insurers: Prior authorization prevents fraud, reduces overspending, and guards against potential harm to patients.
—Lauren Sausser, NBC news, 12 June 2025
The innovative roller coaster features a groundbreaking 360-degree rotation of the individual ride vehicles, which was previously announced but now can be seen (illustrated) in the video above.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
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Apress, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
But this kind of analysis helps illustrate who benefits and who is hurt by a bill.
—Emily Badger, New York Times, 13 June 2025
What happened in South Carolina illustrates a common argument made by insurers: Prior authorization prevents fraud, reduces overspending, and guards against potential harm to patients.
—Lauren Sausser, NBC news, 12 June 2025
The innovative roller coaster features a groundbreaking 360-degree rotation of the individual ride vehicles, which was previously announced but now can be seen (illustrated) in the video above.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 12 June 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 18 Jun. 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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