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as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like chose one essay as an illustration of the high quality of the collection

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word illustration distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of illustration are case, example, instance, sample, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

Where would case be a reasonable alternative to illustration?

The meanings of case and illustration largely overlap; however, case is used to direct attention to a real or assumed occurrence or situation that is to be considered, studied, or dealt with.

a case of mistaken identity

When could example be used to replace illustration?

In some situations, the words example and illustration are roughly equivalent. However, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When would instance be a good substitute for illustration?

While the synonyms instance and illustration are close in meaning, instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

In what contexts can sample take the place of illustration?

The words sample and illustration can be used in similar contexts, but sample implies a part or unit taken at random from a larger whole and so presumed to be typical of its qualities.

show us a sample of your work

When might specimen be a better fit than illustration?

While in some cases nearly identical to illustration, specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

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 illustration One of two book covers about records this month—except that this one is really about the title, which becomes the illustration spectacularly. Emily Temple september 30, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025 Featuring illustrations by Sophie Blackall, the novella wraps up the trilogy that DiCamillo largely wrote during the COVID-19 pandemic. Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025 Names have been changed and illustrations are anonymous to ensure their safety. Carlotta Dotto, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025 Renowned for its exquisite illustrations and calligraphy, The Book of Kells has long been believed to have originated on the island of Iona in the Scottish Hebrides, before moving to Ireland in the 9th century. Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illustration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustration
Noun
  • One big advantage of this tool is that the mathematical operations describing the forces between particles can be visualized as diagrams.
    Dipangkar Dutta, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The critical point represents a unique location on the nuclear phase diagram.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But there's a very reasonable explanation for why, During her Monday night visit to The Tonight Show, Swift played a chaotic game of four lies and a truth with host Jimmy Fallon.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Critics argue that these emergency rulings—often issued without a full briefing or detailed explanation—risk solidifying major policy shifts before courts can assess their legality.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This article discusses Ed Gein’s crimes, as well as transphobic depictions of them on screen.
    Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 7 Oct. 2025
  • So no wonder that his engagement with the human cost of rapid industrialization in early 20th century Bohemia fed into his depiction in the novel of social conditions in robber-baron America.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • For example, the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is designed to protect investors and keep financial markets fair, is one of more than two doen agencies that are legally similar to the FCC.
    Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • In Geneva, for example, a nuclear invention from CERN researchers in the early 2000s led to the founding of a novel cancer treatment, and ultimately, to its $4 billion acquisition by Novartis.
    Peter Vanham, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Why This Refurbished Powerhouse Is Worth It The Surface Book 3 combines an elegant aluminum body with a 15-inch PixelSense touch screen, backed by a quad-core 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Its available in black, sliver, white, two greys, and two blues, all of which feature gold striping and a matte-black graphics package.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Each artist created their own interpretations of Jacobs’ signature silhouettes, ranging from the Tote Bag and Snapshot to ready-to-wear, accessories and wallets, through the lens of joy as wearable fashions.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Modern interpretations of inns layer rustic charm with contemporary finishes.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The images could look livelier this season.
    Rob Rossi, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The initiative, which aims to strengthen the country’s image abroad and attract foreign industry by promoting the Brazilian film industry, is the result of a Technical and Financial Cooperation Agreement between the two organizations.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The trailer features stunning visuals of forests and mountain vistas, with massive trees that stay majestic even when they are being chopped down.
    Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The first Tron film was released in theaters in 1982 and despite its moderate box office success, became a cult classic for its groundbreaking visuals.
    Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Illustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustration. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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