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
That stat best illustrates how times are changing in the NIL and revenue-share era.
—
Jeff Sentell, AJC.com, 29 May 2026
The fast follow-on round illustrates the relentless frenzy to fund AI companies, as investors clamor to throw money at startups.
—Richard Nieva, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Bapple emphasizes that the company’s work with Kalera, a vertical farming operator, illustrates this philosophy in practice.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 28 May 2026
The 911 calls illustrate what was happening inside GM Charlotte Technical Center the day the 41-year-old driver reportedly fell ill in a Concord racing simulator.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Jeff Sentell, AJC.com, 29 May 2026
The fast follow-on round illustrates the relentless frenzy to fund AI companies, as investors clamor to throw money at startups.
—Richard Nieva, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Bapple emphasizes that the company’s work with Kalera, a vertical farming operator, illustrates this philosophy in practice.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 28 May 2026
The 911 calls illustrate what was happening inside GM Charlotte Technical Center the day the 41-year-old driver reportedly fell ill in a Concord racing simulator.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 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 30 May. 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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