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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of illustrate
The transformation of its original property illustrates just how powerful the venture has been.
—
Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
The text is meant to illustrate (with humor) just how powerless some parents feel during the weaning process.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 11 Sep. 2025
The increase widens a stark property tax gap between Idaho’s two largest school districts — Boise and West Ada — and illustrates dramatic policy differences between the adjoining Treasure Valley districts.
—Kevin Richert, Idaho Statesman, 10 Sep. 2025
The correlation This dynamic can be illustrated through a chart combining the price dynamics of live cattle futures and Texas Roadhouse.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
The text is meant to illustrate (with humor) just how powerless some parents feel during the weaning process.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 11 Sep. 2025
The increase widens a stark property tax gap between Idaho’s two largest school districts — Boise and West Ada — and illustrates dramatic policy differences between the adjoining Treasure Valley districts.
—Kevin Richert, Idaho Statesman, 10 Sep. 2025
The correlation This dynamic can be illustrated through a chart combining the price dynamics of live cattle futures and Texas Roadhouse.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrate
Verb
-
The exhibit showcases promotional materials that demonstrate the film’s global impact.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Equally notable, the system moved seamlessly from low- to high-energy states on its own, demonstrating that its automatic adjustment isn’t just theory but a working feature.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The blend helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and illuminate the complexion in just a few weeks of consistent use.—
Akili King,
Vogue,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The slit lamp is a specialized microscope with a bright light that creates a thin, intense beam to illuminate the eye.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Here, Renzi explains how long the doc was in the works, why family members didn’t participate, and how Marco of all people helped Sheen to get off crack.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
13 Sep. 2025
-
At a time when contentious words dominate our conversations—think insurrection and fascism and fake news and woke—the need for dictionaries to chronicle and explain language, and serve as its watchdog, has never been greater.—
Stefan Fatsis,
The Atlantic,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Later Cox said a person of interest was in custody and being interviewed, and clarified that the person was not the man booked on the obstruction charge.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Of the 118 valid responses from patients, 108 indicated the ChatGPT summaries clarified details about the original report.—
Kate Ruder,
NPR,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrate. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share