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
The crossover is written by Steve Orlando and illustrated by Travis Mercer, with covers by Lucas Meyer.
—
Joe Otterson, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
Their investment in Nitricity — a company producing fertilizer without fossil gas — illustrates the point.
—Melissa Jun Rowley, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
Projections from The Athletic’s Austin Mock — comparing the preseason until now — illustrate the reality of the situation.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Now, the final investigative NTSB report illustrates what was happening in the air traffic control tower during those crucial moments.
—Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Joe Otterson, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
Their investment in Nitricity — a company producing fertilizer without fossil gas — illustrates the point.
—Melissa Jun Rowley, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
Projections from The Athletic’s Austin Mock — comparing the preseason until now — illustrate the reality of the situation.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Now, the final investigative NTSB report illustrates what was happening in the air traffic control tower during those crucial moments.
—Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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By night, a small group of protesters – sometimes a dozen or fewer – have demonstrated outside the building.—
Conrad Wilson,
NPR,
4 Oct. 2025
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Western Hills demonstrated diversity in scoring by utilizing a variety of plays and players throughout the night to extend the lead.—
Elijah Flowers,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The launch produced a bright, silver-white plume that changed into colorful veils as the sun illuminated the high exhaust at about 70-110 km (45-70 miles).—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Oct. 2025
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Diners enjoyed autumn chicory salad and seared filet mignon in the soft glow of the lights illuminating the temple’s Aeolian sandstone walls and snapped wrist shots against the backdrop of the reflecting pool, meant to evoke the West Bank of the Nile.—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Reliever Luke Weaver melted down again, and then seemed lost trying to explain it postgame.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
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In the show, Gein strikes Henry with a piece of wood, then drags his body into the woods and stages a brush fire to explain Henry's death.—
JR Radcliffe,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Officials from Line by Lion Publications also took to Facebook to dispel the rumors and clarify that Gilbert is in good care.—
Lillian Metzmeier,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
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Others echoed similar sentiments, demanding Parker clarify the meaning of her comment and apologize.—
Amanda McCoy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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