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
James Wilson, a prominent attorney, best illustrates that evolution.
—
Joseph Andrew,
Forbes.com,
4 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
Midea’s air-conditioning design illustrates the kind of engineering tailored to crack Europe’s fragmented and layered regulatory and market barriers.
—
Anniek Bao,evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
2 July 2026
The experience of Jack Ma illustrates the limits imposed on entrepreneurs who become too powerful or politically outspoken.
—
Rainer Zitelmann,
Fortune,
2 July 2026
This modest documentary album illustrates how American music has always contributed significantly to the telling of America’s story.
—
Ted Olson,
The Conversation,
2 July 2026
The scale of the fund, and the involvement of multiple international partners, illustrates Abu Dhabi’s ambition to use AI to help diversify its economy, and its credibility as an investor.
—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
23 June 2026
According to Skic, the exhibit illustrates how the Declaration's influence extended far beyond the Revolutionary era and became part of the argument for expanding civil rights to more Americans.
—
Josh Sanders,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Joseph Andrew,
Forbes.com,
4 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
Midea’s air-conditioning design illustrates the kind of engineering tailored to crack Europe’s fragmented and layered regulatory and market barriers.
—
Anniek Bao,evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
2 July 2026
The experience of Jack Ma illustrates the limits imposed on entrepreneurs who become too powerful or politically outspoken.
—
Rainer Zitelmann,
Fortune,
2 July 2026
This modest documentary album illustrates how American music has always contributed significantly to the telling of America’s story.
—
Ted Olson,
The Conversation,
2 July 2026
The scale of the fund, and the involvement of multiple international partners, illustrates Abu Dhabi’s ambition to use AI to help diversify its economy, and its credibility as an investor.
—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
23 June 2026
According to Skic, the exhibit illustrates how the Declaration's influence extended far beyond the Revolutionary era and became part of the argument for expanding civil rights to more Americans.
—
Josh Sanders,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrates
Verb
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Consider if the side gig adds unique skills, demonstrates entrepreneurship, or could be perceived as a distraction or conflict of interest.
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The advocacy group Stand Up for Science has posted advice on writing comments, along with an extremely lengthy and detailed submission that demonstrates just how comprehensive a comment can be.
Verb
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Each fixture is topped with a discreet solar panel that charges throughout the day and automatically illuminates at night, so there's no wiring required.
-
The tournament also illuminates America's growing, yet often unacknowledged, passion for soccer, allowing fans to openly embrace the sport.
Verb
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Maybe that explains her chaotic behavior when the crew goes out later that night.
-
Deputy Ethan Weinzieri explains just some of the work the dogs do.
Verb
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In many ways, MyRacehorse exemplifies how modern investors increasingly seek more than returns alone.
-
Parias' case, his attorneys say, is one that exemplifies the challenges facing many detainees in a judicial and detention system with limited resources and dwindling avenues for any recourse, including for people with no criminal record.
Verb
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The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act clarifies that states can establish their own procedures for counting ballots.
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Review a bill, then send a polite message that clarifies terms, because simple words protect value and invite respectful responses.
Cite this Entry
“Illustrates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrates. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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