1
as in to demonstrate
to show or make clear by using examples
she illustrated her point with a story about her experiences as a field anthropologist
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to illuminate
to supplement with pictorial matter for the purpose of explanation or decoration
lavishly illustrated the monograph on Caravaggio with color plates
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to explain
to make plain or understandable
the recent devastating fire illustrates the need for improved safety codes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illustrate
This statue illustrates how clothing can be very specific to a moment, place or role, while classical nudity may look more timeless.
—
Anna Swartwood House, The Conversation, 2 Mar. 2026
To illustrate what GenAI makes possible, consider hypertension, the leading cause of stroke in the United States.
—Robert Pearl, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026
The 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act illustrates the point.
—Kathryn Anne Edwards, Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2026
Extra pomp doesn’t have to skew antiquated, either, as several modern variations from upscale brands like Sferra and Annie Selke illustrate.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Anna Swartwood House, The Conversation, 2 Mar. 2026
To illustrate what GenAI makes possible, consider hypertension, the leading cause of stroke in the United States.
—Robert Pearl, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026
The 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act illustrates the point.
—Kathryn Anne Edwards, Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2026
Extra pomp doesn’t have to skew antiquated, either, as several modern variations from upscale brands like Sferra and Annie Selke illustrate.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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But as the first few days of the joint men’s and women’s event have demonstrated yet again, there is sometimes a bit of hell in tennis’ Garden of Eden.—
Douglas Robson,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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By framing pricing as a strategy that can adapt to real-time feedback, the broker demonstrates awareness and flexibility.—
Allen Buchanan,
Oc Register,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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When illuminated, the material bends and stores elastic energy in a curved beam structure.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Mar. 2026
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As sunlight passes through the atmosphere, shorter blue wavelengths scatter while longer red and orange wavelengths bend into Earth’s shadow and illuminate the moon — the same reason sunsets appear red.—
Newsroom Meteorologist,
Austin American Statesman,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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If a concept just doesn’t make sense, try explaining it out loud to a friend.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
6 Mar. 2026
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During the launch event, BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu explained that solving charging anxiety is essential for wider EV adoption.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The guidance followed an investigation into then-Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, who had been accused of violating the agency’s selective disclosure rules through a Facebook post, an incident that ultimately led the SEC to clarify how companies could use social platforms to share material information.—
Rachel Ventresca,
Fortune,
6 Mar. 2026
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The order clarified a regulation that has existed since Israel’s founding.—
Oren Liebermann,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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