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
Use case studies and stories to illustrate your expertise, building social proof and authority.
—
Amanda Miller Littlejohn, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
The series always made time for Midge’s (Rachel Brosnahan) inner life and personal relationships, illustrating how those factors affected her stage performance and overall life trajectory.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 27 Apr. 2025
Looking through more examples only goes to illustrate the ease with which Pedri pulls off all manner of technically challenging passes.
—Thom Harris, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Sanders had a bad private workout with head coach Brian Daboll, however, according to The Ringer’s Todd McShay, that may illustrate one reason the quarterback is lingering on the board.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
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Amanda Miller Littlejohn, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
The series always made time for Midge’s (Rachel Brosnahan) inner life and personal relationships, illustrating how those factors affected her stage performance and overall life trajectory.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 27 Apr. 2025
Looking through more examples only goes to illustrate the ease with which Pedri pulls off all manner of technically challenging passes.
—Thom Harris, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Sanders had a bad private workout with head coach Brian Daboll, however, according to The Ringer’s Todd McShay, that may illustrate one reason the quarterback is lingering on the board.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 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 7 May. 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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