Synonyms of illustrate

illustrate

verb

ˈi-lə-ˌstrāt 

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

• demonstrate
• explain
• exemplify
• instance
• clarify
• analyze
• specify
• cite
• mention
• elucidate
• quote
• interpret
• adduce
• detail
• explicate
• enlighten
• simplify
• illuminate
• clear (up)
• expound
• construe
• spell out
• name
• enumerate
• edify
• list
• break down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obscure
• blur
• muddy
• darken
• confuse
• cloud
• becloud
• puzzle
• fog
• perplex

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

• illuminate
• visualize
• pictorialize
• picture
• image

3

as in to explain

to make plain or understandable

the recent devastating fire illustrates the need for improved safety codes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• explain
• demonstrate
• clarify
• illuminate
• simplify
• interpret
• elucidate
• explicate
• expound
• construe
• demystify
• spell out
• analyze
• clear (up)
• get across
• define
• resolve
• solve
• specify
• decipher
• unriddle
• decode
• unravel
• disentangle
• undo
• untangle
• annotate
• break down
• unscramble
• gloss
• commentate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obscure
• confuse
• cloud
• confound
• obfuscate
• befog

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of illustrate

With guests that range from Jennifer Lopez and Ethan Hawke to Rahma’s New Yorker friends who have yet to crack the mainstream, the show illustrates how strong opinions and a willingness to defend them are universal human traits. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026

The crossing of the $30 trillion mark only dates back to January 2022, illustrating the rapid growth in federal borrowing needs. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

Trump senior counselor for trade and manufacturing Peter Navarro authored an op-ed in the New York Times speaking to the necessity of the report’s release and attempting to illustrate the scope of the problem. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026

Bostic said the amount of food moving through the pantry illustrates the demand. — Jamal Goss, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026