ILLUSTRATING Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

illustrating

verb

present participle of illustrate

as in demonstrating

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

as in illuminating

to supplement with pictorial matter for the purpose of explanation or decoration lavishly illustrated the monograph on Caravaggio with color plates

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in explaining

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 illustrating Research highlights that each additional year of schooling increases an individual’s earnings by roughly 10% annually, illustrating how education compounds economic opportunity over time rather than delivering a one-time benefit. —

Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026 Adapted from Antonio Scurati’s novel, the series delves into the darker aspects of Mussolini’s character, illustrating how his toxic masculinity and exploitation of fear led to his ascent, while inviting viewers to reflect on the broader implications of his story in today’s political landscape. —

Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2026 Crucially, the show’s histrionic extravagance had a purpose in illustrating the life-or-death stakes of youthful emotion. —

Alison Herman, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026 The house later became part of a much larger strategic play, illustrating his approach to dealmaking. —

Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 Apr. 2026 The war in Iran and bottleneck in the Strait of Hormuz is further illustrating the need to integrate newer tools into modern warfare. —

Samantha Subin, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026 The oldest surviving fragments of calico are from the 15th century and were found in al-Fusṭāṭ, a neighborhood of Cairo, illustrating the extent of the trade in this fabric and style. —

Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026 The Easter scene depicts a central moment in Christianity, illustrating the belief that Jesus rose from the dead after being buried in a tomb following his crucifixion. —

Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 The last Ag Reserve snapshot illustrating the breakdown is from 2023, which county officials recently presented during a 2025 meeting. —

Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrating

Verb

Throughout her career, Chinese artist Cao Fei has explored every aspect of our world, demonstrating great versatility and insight in her use of a broad range of technologies and languages.

— Miuccia Prada, Time, 15 Apr. 2026
At least six other Department of Aviation workers were investigated for spending hours idling on the job, demonstrating incompetence, stealing city property, and lying during the investigation.

— Chris Tye, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026