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
The apparent corner-cutting illustrates how top brass at Florida’s flagship law school relaxed longstanding safeguards to fast-track the state’s top legal official into its classrooms — even as Republican leaders in Tallahassee demand greater transparency and oversight of university instruction.
—
Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
After receiving permission from the government, Brevard County Public Works removed 10,000 pounds of concrete — a volume that illustrates how deeply trapped the manatee was within the infrastructure.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026
Perhaps nothing illustrates how fortunate the Patriots are with their internal free-agent class this offseason better than Austin Hooper, a solid veteran for years nearing the twilight of his career, being among their best players hitting the market.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
An image released in concert with last week's Artemis announcement illustrates NASA's new vision for the program and humanity's return to the moon, and has some details that may bring clarity to how that vision will unfold.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2026
Jones said the unusual matchup between Green and Menefee illustrates how redistricting can intensify those pressures.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 4 Mar. 2026
All that illustrates a dynamic that's sure to be a point of discussion within the party.
—Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
This statue illustrates how clothing can be very specific to a moment, place or role, while classical nudity may look more timeless.
—Anna Swartwood House, The Conversation, 2 Mar. 2026
The 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act illustrates the point.
—Kathryn Anne Edwards, Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2026
Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
After receiving permission from the government, Brevard County Public Works removed 10,000 pounds of concrete — a volume that illustrates how deeply trapped the manatee was within the infrastructure.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026
Perhaps nothing illustrates how fortunate the Patriots are with their internal free-agent class this offseason better than Austin Hooper, a solid veteran for years nearing the twilight of his career, being among their best players hitting the market.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
An image released in concert with last week's Artemis announcement illustrates NASA's new vision for the program and humanity's return to the moon, and has some details that may bring clarity to how that vision will unfold.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2026
Jones said the unusual matchup between Green and Menefee illustrates how redistricting can intensify those pressures.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 4 Mar. 2026
All that illustrates a dynamic that's sure to be a point of discussion within the party.
—Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
This statue illustrates how clothing can be very specific to a moment, place or role, while classical nudity may look more timeless.
—Anna Swartwood House, The Conversation, 2 Mar. 2026
The 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act illustrates the point.
—Kathryn Anne Edwards, Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrates
Verb
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The study demonstrates a new level of miniaturization and scalability for optical beam-combining hardware used in high-power laser systems.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Mar. 2026
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While the magnitude of these surges varies by context, the temporal clustering of activity in both cases demonstrates that social media visibility is driven by discrete political and moral shocks rather than sustained baseline engagement.—
Arnaud Kurze,
The Conversation,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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At these times, sunlight illuminates exhaust from the rocket's upper stage, which is composed primarily of water vapor and carbon dioxide.—
Robert Z. Pearlman,
Space.com,
4 Mar. 2026
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His latest book, Chief Executive Coach, illuminates many of these problems.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But they were chosen as the targets for the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) to assess our planetary defense capabilities, Makadia explains.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
6 Mar. 2026
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In the first episode, the peacemaking mission between Josh and Seth, in rural Montana, completely falls apart, and the mediator—who explains that this is his first official mediation—mostly just stands there as the neighbors trade insults and issue threats.—
Tyler Foggatt,
New Yorker,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Rebuilt in the mid-1800s, the structure exemplifies the blend of European and Persian traditions that came to define the Qajar period, which lasted into the early twentieth century.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Highgrove exemplifies King Charles's passion for sustainability.—
Elle Meier,
InStyle,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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According to the mayor, the executive order clarifies existing policies related to federal immigration enforcement efforts, details proactive steps that are being taken to protect residents, and outlines the authority of the Baltimore Police Department.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
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The dual-pronged approach clarifies exemptions for destruction and sets a standardized reporting format to reduce administrative burdens on companies while boosting transparency across all member states.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illustrates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrates. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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