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

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

Customer experience illustrates the distinction; an evolutionary approach focuses on reducing handling time, lowering cost to serve, and improving agent productivity. — Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

At the same time, the film tells a true story that powerfully illustrates how indispensable investigative journalism is in uncovering historical crimes. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026

With guests that range from Jennifer Lopez and Ethan Hawke to Rahma’s New Yorker friends who have yet to crack the mainstream, the show illustrates how strong opinions and a willingness to defend them are universal human traits. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 20 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

That Bailey’s mileage equates to 13 regular-season games played and 16 defensive snaps across the past two seasons illustrates how green the Broncos are outside of veteran starters Alex Singleton (32 years old) and Justin Strnad (turns 30 Friday). — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

The story of sardines feeding Japan’s war machine illustrates the convergence of technology, environment and imperialism. — Pei-Hsu Lin, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026