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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illustrate
The coming surge in copper demand illustrates the scale of the challenge.
—
Rich Nolan, Boston Herald, 1 June 2026
That dual mandate also illustrates one of NYPR’s most pressing challenges.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 1 June 2026
Spurlock’s trajectory illustrates this point clearly.
—Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Nothing illustrated that gap more starkly than Bhatnagar’s admission about his team.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Rich Nolan, Boston Herald, 1 June 2026
That dual mandate also illustrates one of NYPR’s most pressing challenges.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 1 June 2026
Spurlock’s trajectory illustrates this point clearly.
—Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Nothing illustrated that gap more starkly than Bhatnagar’s admission about his team.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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William Jennings Bryan stepped onto the podium on July 8, 1896, at the Democratic National Convention inside Chicago Coliseum at 63rd Street and Stony Island Avenue, and demonstrated that reformers could profit from working within the system instead of fighting it.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2026
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The results demonstrate a major communication issue that state Medicaid agencies will need to surmount in an accelerated timeframe.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Tents are adorned with explorer-style campaign furniture and Zanzibari trunks and illuminated by Earth tones that complement—but not compete with—the natural beauty of surrounding grasslands.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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Artworks in the exhibition embody the intellectual content of Native traditions, newly illuminated by the unique properties that can only be achieved working with glass.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
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Any new-to-the-stage songwriter may need time to acclimate to a new mode, and this particular case may be explained by the fact that Mann, according to reporting, is no longer actively involved in the show’s development.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
5 June 2026
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This adaptation explains why the hourlong train ride to work can start out as exhausting, but become part of your daily routine.—
Christian B. Miller,
The Conversation,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Speaking to Rob Bradford on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast prior to Thursday’s game against the Atlanta Braves, Anthony clarified the exact nature of his injury, which was officially announced by the team as a right wrist sprain.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
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If a co-worker asks for help, clarify a fair boundary, then trade a small favor for a realistic timeline.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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