Synonyms of illustrates

illustrates

verb

present tense third-person singular of illustrate

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

• demonstrates
• explains
• exemplifies
• instances
• clarifies
• specifies
• cites
• analyzes
• mentions
• elucidates
• quotes
• expounds
• interprets
• adduces
• explicates
• illuminates
• details
• clears (up)
• simplifies
• construes
• enumerates
• spells out
• lists
• enlightens
• names
• edifies
• breaks down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obscures
• blurs
• darkens
• clouds
• confuses
• muddies
• puzzles
• beclouds
• perplexes
• fogs

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

• illuminates
• visualizes
• pictorializes
• images
• pictures

3

as in explains

to make plain or understandable

the recent devastating fire illustrates the need for improved safety codes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• explains
• demonstrates
• clarifies
• illuminates
• simplifies
• interprets
• elucidates
• explicates
• expounds
• construes
• demystifies
• spells out
• clears (up)
• analyzes
• defines
• specifies
• gets across
• resolves
• solves
• deciphers
• decodes
• unriddles
• unravels
• undoes
• annotates
• disentangles
• untangles
• breaks down
• glosses
• unscrambles
• commentates

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obscures
• confuses
• clouds
• confounds
• obfuscates
• befogs

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of illustrates

Turkheimer said the apparent mistake illustrates how the complexities of statutes of limitations can undermine the fundamental premise of the justice system. — Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026

One transaction illustrates how the operation allegedly worked. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026

An Industry-Wide Pattern Anthropic’s pricing trajectory illustrates this transition clearly. — Aruna Veerappan, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

The gap illustrates the foundational flaws in a program that fails to balance affordability, flood protection and cost to taxpayers. — Michael Phillis, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

The county’s own 2025 housing analysis illustrates the affordability gap. — Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Disney settled an antitrust lawsuit through acquisition Fubo’s previous row with Disney illustrates how a bigger company can summarily silence protests. — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 30 Sep. 2026

The left atrial septal pouch illustrates why anatomy still matters clinically. — Subramaniam C. Krishnan, STAT, 28 Sep. 2026

Honoring Nigo’s work and influence, the exhibition analyzes and illustrates the cultural fusions that have shaped his lifework through fashion, music, and design — from Japanese craft and streetwear to vintage Americana and contemporary luxury. — Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026