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

Under Armour's operating income, which illustrates its underlying profitability, turned negative in fiscal 2025 and 2026. — Ryan Baker, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026

More broadly, the expansion illustrates how advanced technology, industrial investment and acquisition reform are increasingly interconnected in modern defence planning. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026

But the disparity also illustrates why neither ESPN nor the NFL should be particularly concerned about Monday's unusually poor number. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Its evolution illustrates how Caribbean expertise can become an international competitive advantage. — Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

Davis’ path to becoming the de facto advocate of last resort illustrates how the system set up to care for families who are homeless in Maricopa County is failing them. — Nicole Santa Cruz, ProPublica, 7 Oct. 2026

Epic’s new Indian facility illustrates the connection between sourcing relationships and climate investment. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026

Turkheimer said the apparent mistake illustrates how the complexities of statutes of limitations can undermine the fundamental premise of the justice system. — Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026

An Industry-Wide Pattern Anthropic’s pricing trajectory illustrates this transition clearly. — Aruna Veerappan, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026