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
The concert is performed against a backdrop of video and photography, including family pictures and material from the Library of Congress, that illustrates specific historic and musical themes.
—
Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026
Cunningham also did work that relatively few people saw but was nonetheless memorable and helped illustrate his approach to dance and life.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 7 Mar. 2026
Together, these features illustrate the processes that have shaped Arabia Terra over billions of years.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 6 Mar. 2026
This shows up in quasar and galactic absorption lines, as illustrated above, in what’s known as the Lyman-α forest.
—Big Think, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
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Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026
Cunningham also did work that relatively few people saw but was nonetheless memorable and helped illustrate his approach to dance and life.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 7 Mar. 2026
Together, these features illustrate the processes that have shaped Arabia Terra over billions of years.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 6 Mar. 2026
This shows up in quasar and galactic absorption lines, as illustrated above, in what’s known as the Lyman-α forest.
—Big Think, 6 Mar. 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 9 Mar. 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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