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
An example will illustrate this point.
—
Steve Booren, Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2026
Chic travel brushes and mini combs perfectly illustrate how everyday essentials can feel like small splendors.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026
To illustrate his point about the timing of returns from AI investments, Amodei highlighted the potential for medical breakthroughs, which would drive enormous economic value.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 14 Feb. 2026
But the debacle illustrates what artists are up against.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Steve Booren, Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2026
Chic travel brushes and mini combs perfectly illustrate how everyday essentials can feel like small splendors.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026
To illustrate his point about the timing of returns from AI investments, Amodei highlighted the potential for medical breakthroughs, which would drive enormous economic value.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 14 Feb. 2026
But the debacle illustrates what artists are up against.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
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Set the tone through personal conduct, demonstrating patience, respect, and restraint.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
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Laid-off reporter Barry Svrluga broke an exclusive about Olympic skier Mikaela Shiffrin’s mother’s cancer diagnosis, demonstrating the value of experienced sports journalism.—
Andrew Dampf,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Otherwise, Veloso relied on the sun, candlelight and fire to illuminate his shots.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
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Finally, the sun dipped below the horizon and illuminated the sparse clouds in a smoldering fire of mauve, pink and purple.—
Bryan Hendricks,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Whitwam explains that Catalina mule deer hunting was traditionally reserved for island residents and their guests, or hunters who were willing to book with a local guide.—
Kris Millgate,
Outdoor Life,
6 Feb. 2026
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Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs argued Brady’s role as a sports network broadcaster — not just a Patriots icon — explains his neutral stance.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In reality, the project and its progressive defenders fed those forces rather than clarified them.—
Thomas Chatterton Williams,
The Atlantic,
13 Feb. 2026
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Republicans framed the bathroom and driver’s license bill as an addendum clarifying the intent of a separate 2023 bill barring trans women from accessing female-only spaces.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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