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

The endorsement earlier this week of mayoral frontrunner Alexi Giannoulias by two Service Employees International Union locals that were key backers of Johnson’s 2023 campaign dramatically illustrate this dynamic. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Recent strategy resets among global energy majors BP, Shell and ExxonMobil illustrate a greater focus on delivering reliable supply and ensuring that infrastructure can meet fast-growing power demand. — H.e. Dr Abdulla Saif Al Jarwan, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

The blockbuster ambitions are best illustrated by the production’s recruitment of Rambaldi. — J. Kim Murphy, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2026

The eye-popping patch numbers illustrate the importance of running Windows Update to keep your PC safe. — Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026