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
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 illustrates
The anecdote also illustrates a leadership philosophy Weeks has maintained throughout his tenure.
—
Dave Smith, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
Pacific transit route The family’s experience illustrates how Ecuador has become a critical route in the cocaine trade.
—David Culver, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
However, beyond the role individuals can play, the report illustrates that public and private institutions can do more to cover their blind spots and help people prepare for a vital 100-year life.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 22 Oct. 2025
The shoe swap illustrates the growing trend of brides forgoing stiletto heels, and instead, reaching for sneakers and comfortable shoes for their big day—continuing the modern bridal traditions that prioritize comfort above all else.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
The study, which was done in living yeast cells and human cell lines, illustrates how proteins act collectively by forming a crystal that gathers caspases together to activate the cell death program and enable the cell to make a rapid life-or-death decision.
—Viviane Callier, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2025
There’s another snap that illustrates a similar story, similarly worth our examination.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2025
Gatsby simply couldn’t have existed without Long Island, and the prominence of the novel’s location was noted from the day of publication, as Anne Margaret Daniel illustrates in her article on the author and his relationship with the New Yorker magazine.
—JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
The footage illustrates the easy trust and solidarity among the various parents, who appeared to have a tacit agreement that the neighborhood more or less belonged to the kids.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
Dave Smith, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
Pacific transit route The family’s experience illustrates how Ecuador has become a critical route in the cocaine trade.
—David Culver, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
However, beyond the role individuals can play, the report illustrates that public and private institutions can do more to cover their blind spots and help people prepare for a vital 100-year life.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 22 Oct. 2025
The shoe swap illustrates the growing trend of brides forgoing stiletto heels, and instead, reaching for sneakers and comfortable shoes for their big day—continuing the modern bridal traditions that prioritize comfort above all else.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
The study, which was done in living yeast cells and human cell lines, illustrates how proteins act collectively by forming a crystal that gathers caspases together to activate the cell death program and enable the cell to make a rapid life-or-death decision.
—Viviane Callier, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2025
There’s another snap that illustrates a similar story, similarly worth our examination.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2025
Gatsby simply couldn’t have existed without Long Island, and the prominence of the novel’s location was noted from the day of publication, as Anne Margaret Daniel illustrates in her article on the author and his relationship with the New Yorker magazine.
—JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
The footage illustrates the easy trust and solidarity among the various parents, who appeared to have a tacit agreement that the neighborhood more or less belonged to the kids.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrates
Verb
-
Despite states’ commitments to protect the rights of journalists to carry out their work freely and safely, the lack of action by states demonstrates an alarming and deeply dangerous failure by the international community to uphold the rule of law when violations occur.—
Scott Griffen,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
-
What’s next Our research demonstrates that policy-level solutions work.—
Anthony Bald,
The Conversation,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Starting in November, the Festival of Trees illuminates the space with a forest of evergreens, each individually decorated by local contributors.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Scorpio season illuminates the balance of power and depth in your closest connections.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Anne Irfan explains how the 1956 Israeli occupation of Gaza informs the present and future.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Gaia explains that the Merlot vineyards planted almost 30 years ago no longer offer the consistency necessary to produce their top end wine.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Comey’s defense argues that his 2020 exchange with Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, cannot legally constitute perjury, while critics say the case exemplifies the erosion of prosecutorial independence.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Uganda's tech ecosystem, from Hive CoLab to fintech startups addressing unbanked populations, exemplifies innovation from the ground up.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Liu clarifies that despite being published under a Japanese pseudonym, Terao Tetsuya, the author is Taiwanese.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Proposition 410 asked voters to ratify language that clarifies language on mayoral term limits.—
Elena Santa Cruz,
AZCentral.com,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrates. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share