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
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
Bryant once scored 50 against Iverson’s Sixers in a regular-season duel, illustrating the mutual challenge between them.
—
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Trump’s post included a photo illustrating where the initial withdrawal line would be in relation to major cities like Rafah and Gaza City, as well as the Palestinian refugee camp Bureij.
—Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2025
Over the course of the series, Heon has been diligently writing down and illustrating each of Ji-yeon’s culinary creations.
—Kayti Burt, Time, 29 Sep. 2025
The two teams’ journeys this year were proof the CLA concept can work on a team level while also illustrating some of the challenges with getting players to buy in.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Prior to their romance, the pair worked together as collaborators, Reeves writing and Grant illustrating 2011's Ode to Happiness and 2016's Shadows.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
Wearing her signature bespoke silk turban, Milan design doyenne Nina Yashar articulated how a performance illustrating her gallery‘s 10-year lifespan will come to life.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025
The recall occurs just months after a separate tuna recall at Costco over botulism risks, illustrating the persistent food safety challenges faced by industry and regulators alike.
—Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
In areas where water availability is limited, competing demands, such as agriculture or community needs, may be constrained, illustrating how AI’s resource footprint can intersect with broader development challenges.
—Michaela Rychetska, JSTOR Daily, 18 Sep. 2025
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Trump’s post included a photo illustrating where the initial withdrawal line would be in relation to major cities like Rafah and Gaza City, as well as the Palestinian refugee camp Bureij.
—Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2025
Over the course of the series, Heon has been diligently writing down and illustrating each of Ji-yeon’s culinary creations.
—Kayti Burt, Time, 29 Sep. 2025
The two teams’ journeys this year were proof the CLA concept can work on a team level while also illustrating some of the challenges with getting players to buy in.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Prior to their romance, the pair worked together as collaborators, Reeves writing and Grant illustrating 2011's Ode to Happiness and 2016's Shadows.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
Wearing her signature bespoke silk turban, Milan design doyenne Nina Yashar articulated how a performance illustrating her gallery‘s 10-year lifespan will come to life.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025
The recall occurs just months after a separate tuna recall at Costco over botulism risks, illustrating the persistent food safety challenges faced by industry and regulators alike.
—Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
In areas where water availability is limited, competing demands, such as agriculture or community needs, may be constrained, illustrating how AI’s resource footprint can intersect with broader development challenges.
—Michaela Rychetska, JSTOR Daily, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrating
Verb
-
Yet members of Gen Z are also demonstrating new styles of communication fit for the future.—
Bill Connolly,
Rolling Stone,
15 Oct. 2025
-
The protesters have been demonstrating across Brussels center, between Gare du Nord and Gare du Midi train stations, Reuters reported.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Each of these creatures of light multiplied into subqueries and side queries, a glowing menagerie of exotic life-forms crisscrossing the void, their wakes and ripples gradually illuminating the entirety of the submarine cave.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
14 Oct. 2025
-
While some Stanton residents revel in loud and large fireworks illuminating the sky, others are left shaken and injured.—
Ryanne Mena,
Oc Register,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The National Immigration Law Center recently published a guide explaining some of the potential risks of using the app, such as leaving the country without closing an immigration court case and becoming ineligible for a future visa.—
Melissa Sanchez,
ProPublica,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Sometimes explaining one’s affinity for a specific Pokémon is difficult; since Satoshi Tajiri has been dreaming up these pet-warrior-oddballs, many have historically had a certain je ne sais quoi.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
This story has been updated to add Freida’s second post, clarifying her request for prayers.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Oct. 2025
-
After facing backlash from the DHS and White House, however, the Grammy winner shared a statement clarifying his intent behind the song.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrating. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share