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

If the other jurors’ account of the holdout is accurate, the episode illustrates the other side of jury nullification, a familiar feature of American criminal justice. — Monu Bedi, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

In its strongest moments, the film illustrates how the often contradictory desires for individual liberation and family connection are universal experiences. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 19 Sep. 2026

Still, Guo’s opinion about AI forcing people to work harder also illustrates the paradox of incorporating AI into the workforce. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026

The episode also illustrates the peculiar hazards of an underground band suddenly becoming music business bait. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 18 Sep. 2026

According to Disney, the hiring of Anand illustrates that D’Amaro is sharpening the company’s focus on technology as a growth driver. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

This metallic espresso manicure illustrates all the warmth of the shade. — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 18 Sep. 2026

This arrangement, Brughmans said, illustrates one of the ways in which ancient Roman passageways have survived, with contemporary, larger paved roads running roughly along the old path. — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

Bard’s heatmap also illustrates his general reluctance, or inability in Nice’s system, to attack the area. — Beren Cross, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026