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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of illustrates
Wika's engagement illustrates how technology can evolve from being a casual tool to something deeply personal.
—
Staff, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
While the problems plaguing humanity — from political strife to poverty to natural disasters — might seem overwhelming, Dorantes said the property’s history illustrates how much the world can actually change.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
What unfolded in one executive committee meeting illustrates how AI can awaken the imagination, shift entrenched mindsets, and unlock new avenues for growth—even in seasoned executives.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
That could look like a tool or dashboard that illustrates where the AI is highly accurate or where human intervention might be needed.
—Marne Martin, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
This mass misconception illustrates a real problem with trying to explain a deep science concept using compromises; a motivated thinker will take the compromise as truth and push forward, often drawing a perfectly reasonable, but wrong, conclusion.
—Don Lincoln, Big Think, 29 Aug. 2025
Grok perfectly illustrates this.
—ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2025
Here, Angela illustrates the extent to which her freedom is an illusion under the tight constraints of race and gender.
—Glory Edim
august 27, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2025
The tape illustrates something else.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
Staff, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
While the problems plaguing humanity — from political strife to poverty to natural disasters — might seem overwhelming, Dorantes said the property’s history illustrates how much the world can actually change.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
What unfolded in one executive committee meeting illustrates how AI can awaken the imagination, shift entrenched mindsets, and unlock new avenues for growth—even in seasoned executives.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
That could look like a tool or dashboard that illustrates where the AI is highly accurate or where human intervention might be needed.
—Marne Martin, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
This mass misconception illustrates a real problem with trying to explain a deep science concept using compromises; a motivated thinker will take the compromise as truth and push forward, often drawing a perfectly reasonable, but wrong, conclusion.
—Don Lincoln, Big Think, 29 Aug. 2025
Grok perfectly illustrates this.
—ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2025
Here, Angela illustrates the extent to which her freedom is an illusion under the tight constraints of race and gender.
—Glory Edim
august 27, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2025
The tape illustrates something else.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrates
Verb
-
The technical implementation demonstrates how PostgreSQL’s extensibility addresses enterprise requirements for both document flexibility and relational consistency.—
Janakiram MSV,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Focus on scientific breakthroughs While K2 Think demonstrates performance on par with OpenAI, the system's developers say the aim is not to build a chatbot like ChatGPT.—
Ryan Browne,
CNBC,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
During the holidays, a massive Christmas tree illuminates the space.—
Lauren Mowery,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Moonlight illuminates open-air dining in a former railway station, where brews from Poland’s emerging craft beer scene also await.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
From there, the snowball of negative plays picked up steam, which explains why the Dolphins finished the game with 211 yards.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 Sep. 2025
-
At each camp, the team leaves behind a small but powerful item, a red card that explains what to do during encounters with immigration officials.—
David Rodriguez Muñoz,
Freep.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The work exemplifies Liu’s focus on practical solutions.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Thiel’s company Palantir exemplifies this capability, with its platforms designed to synthesize disparate information sources into comprehensive intelligence systems.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Dialogue mode clarifies voices and pronunciation, keeping conversations crisp even in action-heavy scenes.—
Shubham Yewale,
PC Magazine,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The cascade also clarifies why culture change is so difficult if attempted from the top down.—
Scott Hutcheson,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrates. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share