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
personal experiences illustrated his point
c
: to make clear : clarify
illustrate a difficult subject
2
: to show clearly : demonstrate
recent events illustrate the need for change
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
Intel’s earnings report illustrated this evolution in a massive way.
—
Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
Yelverton’s PowerPoint presentation included all sorts of big numbers and bullet points illustrating what an incredible run of deals their investments in the stadium has been for the city.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026
Maybe the parties can come together on the offense, but the Jonathan Kuminga saga illustrated how hard that is in practice.
—Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
Adapted from Antonio Scurati’s novel, the series delves into the darker aspects of Mussolini’s character, illustrating how his toxic masculinity and exploitation of fear led to his ascent, while inviting viewers to reflect on the broader implications of his story in today’s political landscape.
—Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
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Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
Yelverton’s PowerPoint presentation included all sorts of big numbers and bullet points illustrating what an incredible run of deals their investments in the stadium has been for the city.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026
Maybe the parties can come together on the offense, but the Jonathan Kuminga saga illustrated how hard that is in practice.
—Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
Adapted from Antonio Scurati’s novel, the series delves into the darker aspects of Mussolini’s character, illustrating how his toxic masculinity and exploitation of fear led to his ascent, while inviting viewers to reflect on the broader implications of his story in today’s political landscape.
—Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illustrate. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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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