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

This illustrates, though that the Warriors seem boxed in with their current circumstances. — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

That circuitous email chain between homeowners and city officials, including an assistant city attorney, illustrates how homeowners have been stonewalled, Lardon said. — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

But beyond those figures, Spain’s footballing style is what truly illustrates the Barcelona influence on the world and European champions. — Pol Ballús, New York Times, 24 July 2026

So as workers continue building what Rheinmetall says will become one of Europe's biggest gunpowder factories, the site illustrates how Europe's rearmament is no longer just a question of defense budgets. — Elsa Ohlen,greg Kennedy, CNBC, 23 July 2026

That illustrates the central trade-off of permanent daylight saving time. — Chris Hardesty, AJC.com, 23 July 2026

The analogy illustrates Samsung's foldable reshuffle this year. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 23 July 2026

The movie accurately illustrates how relationships can shift, depending on which party needs more support. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 July 2026

Governing Oceans Through Data Indonesia’s experience illustrates a broader global transformation in maritime governance. — IEEE Spectrum, 16 July 2026