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

The episode illustrates a less visible part of keeping older military aircraft flying. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026

That, Manuel says, illustrates the class divide that has been so ingrained in the Philippines. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

But its rollout illustrates a broader issue for Apple and its obsession with science-fiction. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2026

The structure reduces Meta's upfront capital burden, which illustrates why credit analysts are looking beyond traditional debt to long-term leases and other commitments when assessing financial health. — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Turn Brand Values Into Specific Approval Criteria Callaway’s own response illustrates an important problem. — Sonia Thompson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

That sentiment illustrates a central tension raised by many of the actors who shared their stories with CNN. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026

Bostic said the amount of food moving through the pantry illustrates the demand. — Jamal Goss, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

No case illustrates the ease with which they are fooled like the confirmation of Todd Blanche as attorney general. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2026