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 Howard episode dramatically illustrates two seemingly contradictory facts about the 10 private and 10 public schools honored on Forbes’ first-ever ranking of America’s Top HBCUs. — Asia Alexander, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

The backtracking illustrates how the politics of criminal justice have shifted since 2020, posing dilemmas for Democrats’ midterm strategy and their ability to enact their preferred solutions. — ABC News, 31 July 2026

Billions > millions Placek likes to tell a story that illustrates the chasm between the right name — one that’s surprising and familiar all at once — and more predictable choices. — HubSpot, 31 July 2026

His player-profile dashboard below illustrates his creative ability from outside the box, maintaining a strong goal threat while moving the ball forward with his passing. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 31 July 2026

My own research on Civil War battlefield parks illustrates this point. — Todd Lookingbill, The Conversation, 31 July 2026

That circuitous email chain between homeowners and city officials, including an assistant city attorney, illustrates how homeowners have been stonewalled, Lardon said. — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

So as workers continue building what Rheinmetall says will become one of Europe's biggest gunpowder factories, the site illustrates how Europe's rearmament is no longer just a question of defense budgets. — Elsa Ohlen,greg Kennedy, CNBC, 23 July 2026

That illustrates the central trade-off of permanent daylight saving time. — Chris Hardesty, AJC.com, 23 July 2026