1
as in demonstrates
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 illuminates
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 explains
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 illustrates
Through a blend of archival recordings and contemporary interviews, the series illustrates how the church became a sanctuary for its community, honoring both their faith and queerness while fostering joy and connection during a time of profound grief.
—
Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2026
The film illustrates how her powerful images not only document the human cost of conflict but also drive social change, emphasizing the ethical responsibilities of journalism and highlighting the universal struggle between ambition and familial obligations.
—Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026
The report illustrates how tax rates and incomes interact.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2026
In Say Nothing, published in 2019, Keefe effectively solves a decades-old cold case of a missing mother of 10 in Belfast, a killing that illustrates the nihilistic violence and human toll of the Troubles.
—Frank Langfitt, NPR, 4 Apr. 2026
Contending visions of the attorney general’s job Bondi’s tenure illustrates the conflicting visions of what an attorney general should do that animate today’s American politics.
—Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
The University of Illinois System illustrates the scale of impact universities can have across the state.
—Mark Denzler, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Industry observers say the rapid rise of CBN products illustrates how functional positioning can help brands stand out in an increasingly crowded market.
—Thomas Andersen, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026
The image below beautifully illustrates the sheer power required to get the four-person crew beyond Earth.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2026
The film illustrates how her powerful images not only document the human cost of conflict but also drive social change, emphasizing the ethical responsibilities of journalism and highlighting the universal struggle between ambition and familial obligations.
—Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026
The report illustrates how tax rates and incomes interact.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2026
In Say Nothing, published in 2019, Keefe effectively solves a decades-old cold case of a missing mother of 10 in Belfast, a killing that illustrates the nihilistic violence and human toll of the Troubles.
—Frank Langfitt, NPR, 4 Apr. 2026
Contending visions of the attorney general’s job Bondi’s tenure illustrates the conflicting visions of what an attorney general should do that animate today’s American politics.
—Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
The University of Illinois System illustrates the scale of impact universities can have across the state.
—Mark Denzler, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Industry observers say the rapid rise of CBN products illustrates how functional positioning can help brands stand out in an increasingly crowded market.
—Thomas Andersen, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026
The image below beautifully illustrates the sheer power required to get the four-person crew beyond Earth.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrates
Verb
-
Kia’s killing, and those of countless Iranian scientists in all parts of the country, demonstrates the lengths to which Israel and the United States are willing to go to ensure that Tehran’s ability to weaponize its nuclear program is significantly curtailed after the war ends.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
-
When targeted effectively, however, WOTC demonstrates strong potential.—
Brooke Creek,
Boston Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Her account illuminates the role of royal women as advisers, managers of court affairs, and participants in diplomatic life—a dimension of Mughal history largely absent from accounts penned by male authors.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Ahmed’s electrifying performance illuminates the text, carefully honed by Lesslie.—
Katie Walsh,
Boston Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Enjoy, and see you soon… A flood of cheap copies of Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster weight-loss drug in India is already reshaping the country’s fast-growing obesity medicine market, showing how quickly the patent cliff will affect GLP-1 makers like Eli Lilly, Bloomberg News explains.—
Ed Silverman,
STAT,
10 Apr. 2026
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Legally, as Randi helpfully explains, Deborah can film something as long as it’s not released until the noncompete is over.—
Jessica M. Goldstein,
Vulture,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Masterton Trophy is awarded each season under the trusteeship of the PHWA to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
8 Apr. 2026
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This year’s Final Four, specifically, exemplifies this trend, as each remaining roster (Michigan, Arizona, UConn and Illinois) has an average height of at least 6-foot-6, weighted by minutes played.—
Lev Akabas,
Sportico.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
When asked if he is divorced, Marsden's character clarifies he is widowed.—
Deirdre Durkan,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Lawmakers must pass legislation that clarifies that ostomy supplies are not appropriate for inclusion in competitive bidding programs and should be treated as patient-specific systems, not interchangeable goods.—
Diego Schaps,
STAT,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illustrates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrates. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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