1
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
2
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
3
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
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Recent Examples of illustrating
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
One of Mexico’s largest retailers is laying off workers in its fintech startup while scaling back its ambitions — illustrating the difficulty of establishing a foothold in the nation’s increasingly competitive financial system.
—Amy Stillman, Bloomberg, 20 Mar. 2026
Today, that number has grown to more than 400 kits, illustrating how serious an issue hygiene insecurity has become.
—John Garrahan, The Providence Journal, 19 Mar. 2026
The annual calculation requirement also provides clarity about how electric rates change over time, serving as a transparency measure by illustrating the rise in rates.
—Jason Buckel, Baltimore Sun, 17 Mar. 2026
The glowing bridge was made possible by a public art grant, illustrating Ankeny’s commitment to culture in addition to first-rate schools, public parks, and a high standard of living.
—Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 17 Mar. 2026
Both are higher than what borrowers could have secured around this time in February, illustrating the importance of taking action when rates are affordable, not perfect.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
Mahan and Villaraigosa are the only two Democrats who have publicly called to roll back regulations on the state’s oil and gas market, illustrating the political murkiness at the nexus of California’s climate and affordability challenges.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
Functional and technology-driven apparel brands will appear alongside labels exploring contemporary interpretations of Chinese cultural aesthetics, illustrating how domestic brands are carving out specialized categories rather than competing for the same consumer.
—Yiling Pan, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026
One of Mexico’s largest retailers is laying off workers in its fintech startup while scaling back its ambitions — illustrating the difficulty of establishing a foothold in the nation’s increasingly competitive financial system.
—Amy Stillman, Bloomberg, 20 Mar. 2026
Today, that number has grown to more than 400 kits, illustrating how serious an issue hygiene insecurity has become.
—John Garrahan, The Providence Journal, 19 Mar. 2026
The annual calculation requirement also provides clarity about how electric rates change over time, serving as a transparency measure by illustrating the rise in rates.
—Jason Buckel, Baltimore Sun, 17 Mar. 2026
The glowing bridge was made possible by a public art grant, illustrating Ankeny’s commitment to culture in addition to first-rate schools, public parks, and a high standard of living.
—Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 17 Mar. 2026
Both are higher than what borrowers could have secured around this time in February, illustrating the importance of taking action when rates are affordable, not perfect.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
Mahan and Villaraigosa are the only two Democrats who have publicly called to roll back regulations on the state’s oil and gas market, illustrating the political murkiness at the nexus of California’s climate and affordability challenges.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
Functional and technology-driven apparel brands will appear alongside labels exploring contemporary interpretations of Chinese cultural aesthetics, illustrating how domestic brands are carving out specialized categories rather than competing for the same consumer.
—Yiling Pan, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrating
Verb
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No student in German can graduate without demonstrating a detailed knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust.—
Terry Gross,
NPR,
25 Mar. 2026
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Institutions that once at least feigned being an ally are now demonstrating the opposite.—
Ron Stodghill,
Miami Herald,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Emergency lights shone from rescue boats, illuminating the windows.—
Brit McCandless Farmer,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
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The main source of light comes from crisscrossing Christmas lights hanging over the bar and local sports games illuminating the medium-sized TVs.—
Eddie Fontanez,
AZCentral.com,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Board member David Young suggested the county could devise some kind of explanation or message on the county’s website explaining the reason for the changes, and Gumz asked Lasky to come up with language for a potential disclaimer for the website to be considered by the committee.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2026
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When asked about the defective cameras in the jail and the lack of a clear timeline explaining how Epstein was able to take his own life, Blanche acknowledged mistakes.—
Erik Ortiz,
NBC news,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Stepping outside your everyday life has a way of clarifying what actually matters, and returning home with fresh eyes often makes the decisions that felt tough seem far more manageable.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
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Start by clarifying priorities and boundaries this morning, then build steady momentum through the afternoon as support gathers and timing clicks into place.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illustrating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrating. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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