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
Manufacturing Innovation Is Scaling Solar’s Next Phase At the manufacturing and supply-chain level, SolarEdge’s January 2026 announcement illustrates how solar technology providers are adapting to rapid global growth.
—
Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Sanders threatening football players with monetary fines for failing to report to work illustrates his control as coach.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Jan. 2026
This is an unusual if not unique form of ambition, and Orlean illustrates it vividly.
—Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
As for what humanity could do to avoid the impending doom that this clock illustrates?
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Some two decades after the debacle of Iraq, the subjective preferences of metropolitan journalism are more widely exposed and, as the implosion of the Washington Post illustrates, the owners of media organs are revealed to be aggressively self-interested.
—Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Her journey illustrates how online finance certifications can expand access to career progression in regions where traditional programs remain financially or geographically out of reach.
—CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Rwanda, the first beneficiary of the Horizon1000 initiative, illustrates the scale of the challenge.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 21 Jan. 2026
The tape illustrates something else.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Sanders threatening football players with monetary fines for failing to report to work illustrates his control as coach.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Jan. 2026
This is an unusual if not unique form of ambition, and Orlean illustrates it vividly.
—Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
As for what humanity could do to avoid the impending doom that this clock illustrates?
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Some two decades after the debacle of Iraq, the subjective preferences of metropolitan journalism are more widely exposed and, as the implosion of the Washington Post illustrates, the owners of media organs are revealed to be aggressively self-interested.
—Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Her journey illustrates how online finance certifications can expand access to career progression in regions where traditional programs remain financially or geographically out of reach.
—CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Rwanda, the first beneficiary of the Horizon1000 initiative, illustrates the scale of the challenge.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 21 Jan. 2026
The tape illustrates something else.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrates
Verb
-
End-to-end humanoid control Figure claims Helix 02 demonstrates a major step forward in humanoid autonomy by performing continuous, multi-minute tasks that require tight integration of locomotion, dexterity, and sensing.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
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Interestingly, a 2023 study from the Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens demonstrates that dolphins can remember others’ signature whistles even after long periods of separation.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This Leo Full Moon illuminates confidence, creativity, leadership, and the desire to be seen.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
25 Jan. 2026
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Amid the chronological retelling of anecdotes and landmark events in Valdez’s storied career, Alvarado also illuminates the elderly master’s personal wounds.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Accidental ingestion is safe for healthy adults, says Wang, who explains that the hard outer coating of citrus seeds prevents the release of potential toxins, allowing the seeds to pass through the body undigested.—
Stacey Lastoe,
Southern Living,
30 Jan. 2026
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Carmi explains that progress was not linear for him, but the journey still feels well worth the challenges.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Integrated Ecosystem Amazon’s One Medical strategy exemplifies the Integrated Ecosystem model.—
Sahar Hashmi,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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His approach throughout this process exemplifies the highest standards of character and integrity.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The ordinance clarifies existing rules and ensures they are upheld by county contractors, grantees and leaseholders.—
Alexandra Mendoza,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Jan. 2026
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The ad clarifies that Ye now believes the diagnosis of bipolar disorder.—
Chris Murphy,
Vanity Fair,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illustrates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrates. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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