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

One case in particular illustrates what can happen when questions arise about the information that’s provided to board members and other stakeholders concerning new corporate leaders. — Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Hurtado’s experience illustrates the chaos that, according to relatives of the deceased deportees and a forensic medicine expert, marked the handling of bodies after the earthquakes. — Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026

This illustrates a common confusion between Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. — Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2026

This case illustrates a recurring challenge in how science reaches the public. — Dannell D. Boatman, The Conversation, 8 July 2026

The revamp of the enduring story illustrates the complexity of updating a classic story for modern viewers. — Emily Staunton, Christian Science Monitor, 8 July 2026

This old-meets-new styling illustrates how the brand’s design language has evolved and reflects how consumers are increasingly incorporating vintage denim into their closets. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 July 2026

The Pew report illustrates why homeownership is increasingly the province of older Americans, and why first-time buyers seem like a vanishing breed. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Still, Jefferson’s curiosity illustrates how closely America’s founders followed advances in mechanical technology, long before industrialization. — Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 3 July 2026