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
His own history strongly illustrates his point.
—
Jasper Craven, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Boeing ’s stock action on Tuesday illustrated the importance of listening to the post-earnings call with investors.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026
Archival footage illustrates, in pulse-pounding and nerve-rattling fashion, just how widespread calls for Rushdie’s murder were.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2026
Burkle’s portraits illustrate one way to approach a micro collection of art.
—Ryan Conner, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Jasper Craven, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Boeing ’s stock action on Tuesday illustrated the importance of listening to the post-earnings call with investors.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026
Archival footage illustrates, in pulse-pounding and nerve-rattling fashion, just how widespread calls for Rushdie’s murder were.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2026
Burkle’s portraits illustrate one way to approach a micro collection of art.
—Ryan Conner, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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My hope is that by opening a film set in a room full of folks dealing with drug addiction that people can hopefully learn to care for and love them, and that can have a large impact by challenging our assumptions about people and help demonstrate paths forward.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Jan. 2026
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The incident demonstrated how little current space traffic monitors know about the behavior of stuff returning from orbit.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Jan. 2026
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Fireworks illuminated the pre-dawn sky, and then, characters waved us by.—
Kimberly Zapata,
Parents,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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As Francisco explained, the Spring Fest is an annual open house in the spring that allows students to discover a wide range of resources.—
Staff report,
Daily News,
23 Jan. 2026
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Lior Torenberg explains what sets the Sad Girl Grifter (SGG) apart from her lying, scheming peers.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But during this period, three crucial things happened which clarified (if not calcified) a difference in artistic approach between the two men.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
23 Jan. 2026
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This article has been updated to clarify the location of Miss B's.—
Abby Hamblin,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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