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
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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of illustrate
But my social insects illustrate a deeper problem with the early language idea.
—
Madeleine Beekman
august 11, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2025
Reenactors spun yarn, sawed logs and showed past writing materials on the Porter County Courthouse lawn Saturday to illustrate trades from America’s early days.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 11 Aug. 2025
Harper’s frustrations, though, seemingly illustrated the divide between the MLB Players Association and Manfred, a deeply experienced labor lawyer who’s now in his third term as commissioner.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
This illustrates the importance of using your logo as your marketing tool, not just as an identifier.
—Zaheer Dodhia, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Madeleine Beekman
august 11, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2025
Reenactors spun yarn, sawed logs and showed past writing materials on the Porter County Courthouse lawn Saturday to illustrate trades from America’s early days.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 11 Aug. 2025
Harper’s frustrations, though, seemingly illustrated the divide between the MLB Players Association and Manfred, a deeply experienced labor lawyer who’s now in his third term as commissioner.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
This illustrates the importance of using your logo as your marketing tool, not just as an identifier.
—Zaheer Dodhia, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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And that’s before Google’s new software is demonstrated next week.—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
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The abundance of recent research into the gut-brain connection has demonstrated how important the link is between the two organs, and how their communication can affect mood and mental health.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Friday’s practice was particularly illuminating, as Incoom upended a run play and produced two would-be sacks in team drills.—
Mike Kaye
August 4,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Aug. 2025
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In certain markets, including the U.S., the Mercedes-Benz three-point star logo at the center of the grille will also illuminate.—
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In a confessional, Darcey explained that transparency is important to her in a relationship.—
Abigail Adams,
People.com,
18 Aug. 2025
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Here, Katie Bergstrom, a fitness trainer and yoga instructor, explains how to get started.—
Health Editorial Team,
Health,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Board President Sallie Overbey clarified for the board that insurance premiums would also not be affected if the bees are returned to the roof.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Aug. 2025
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Editor’s note, Aug. 16, 2025: This article has been updated to clarify a quote from CEO Keyvan Mohajer, who misspoke earlier. Introducing the 2025 Fortune Global 500, the definitive ranking of the biggest companies in the world.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
16 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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